Podcast Ep. 61 - Observation to inspiration - exploring the innate draw of people to natural areas with Zach Hall

Warren County Conservation Director Zach Hall isn't afraid to explore the more esoteric side of our industry. After chatting with him at a conference this summer, I knew I wanted to get him on the show to do just that. 

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In this episode we explore the hard-to-explain and possibly yet-to-be-understood factors that draw people to natural landscapes. From that, we discuss possible innovative non-traditional marketing strategies, including art, as a means to connect people with nature and convey the emotional and psychological benefits of such experiences.

As tends to happen in my conversations, we have more questions than answers. But asking better questions is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to improve your thinking. 

The text of the poem Zach alludes to at the end of the episode is below.

Enjoy!

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“Living an Overlook” by Zach Hall

I do not know which land I should follow,

which contorts and torques my mind, 

my heart.

I try not to be alarmed.

A sorrow that I burry somewhere deep,

in the earthen dwelling we all eventually call home. 

Our distance to travel there is only in a moment of time.

It is not void of life.

This land, reaped, or raped but the majority call it sewn. 

It’s a land of milk and honey.

A diverse settling from beyond our history. 

A wind that calls away it’s shape as it was developed, 

and now degraded.

But that’s the only voice it can share with us. 

Where is our Mother Earth?

With her soft breath on my ear,

calming and reclaiming the sustainably of our origins, 

of these hills.

Is she not in our lungs?

Can we not taste the curves of beauty through our eyes?

Hills, 

valleys, 

ridge-lines, 

are more on our tongue as we stand on them with our own feet.

We know she is still there.

By sharing stories within our community. 

By clasping hands in union, 

Let us cover our palms in the silky soil of Iowa’s greatest places, 

And dust them off 

to breath in the richness of life.

⁃ “Pause”

Behold the vastness of its being. 

Of Mother Earths’ Loess Hills. 

⁃ “Pause”

It could no longer stop degrading, 

and,

once again lives inside of us.

Not as a sorrow,

 or void of life.

But as a mind, 

a heart, 

lungs, 

and a tongue that can all speak. 

I know which land to follow.