How Should a Nation Relate to Its Natural Landscapes? Paradigms of Environmental Stewardship

​In 1903, John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt camped together in Yosemite. The trip profoundly shaped Roosevelt's understanding of America's natural landscapes, sending ripples that would eventually reach the halls of Washington, D.C. It was one of many moments in a much larger conversation about how a nation should relate to the landscapes that sustain it.

​In many ways, our natural landscapes are the source of our prosperity. They provide the timber, minerals, water, fertile soil, and ecological systems upon which our society depends. Yet the very act of drawing wealth from the land can also diminish the landscapes that make that prosperity possible. Throughout American history, this tension has given rise to competing visions of environmental stewardship.

​In this session, Tusk & Quill Writer and environmental enthusiast Michael Oberschewen will explore the evolution of three influential stewardship paradigms—preservation, conservation, and restoration—and the thinkers who brought these ideas into public life.

​These were the debates that led to the creation of the national park system and various other government policies. And they continue to be a source of debate today, as the country grapples with its appetite for natural resources and desire to preserve natural beauty and ecosystems.

​Following the presentation, we’ll move into some discussion on what these traditions might still have to teach us today. If you're interested in the history of environmental thought and how it continues to shape our relationship with the natural world, we'd love to have you join us.

​This event is hosted by Tusk & Quill, a publication exploring what it means to live well in America today.