Thankful for Wild Places

When you grow up surrounded by natural splendor, it’s easy to take it for granted.

The simple beauty of nature was something I found difficult to appreciate as a child. Despite my parents best attempts to share their love of the outdoors, I wanted excitement, something fast paced. 

It wasn’t until I grew up and entered the workforce that I began to understand what makes wild places so special. Every time a boss became overbearing or a relationship went south I would inevitably end up running to the woods for an overnight camping trip. Escapism? Perhaps, but I always returned with the rejuvenation that can only come from a clear mountain morning. 

As I continued on and my time spent outdoors grew, I realized why my parents sought to share those places. They are a connection to the past, a brief release from the pressure of the civilized world. The 1964 Wilderness Act describes land “where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain”. It has become vital for me to venture into those places, to put life into perspective.

That’s why I am thankful for wild places. 

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About The Author:

Henry grew up ranching and recreating along the Rocky Mountain Front in Choteau, Montana. He graduated from Carroll College in 2016 with a B.A. in Political Science & International Relations with an emphasis on public lands and environmental policy. Henry has been involved in elections administration, forestry, wilderness therapy, and outdoor education across Montana and Idaho. Henry resides in Troy and also works as a Student Life Counselor at Boulder Creek Academy in Bonners Ferry. His passion lies at the intersection of community engagement, outdoor education, and mental health.

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