This past Winter Term, I spent two and half weeks in Minnesota. I can now confidently say I have experienced true wilderness: flown in a four-person airplane; found a kill site where wolves had killed and eaten a deer; done a polar plunge in Lake Superior (with my socks on so the rocks on the beach didn’t freeze to my feet); helped a friend escape an unintentional polar plunge when she broke through some ice; heard from prestigious ecologists such as Dave Mech, Michelle Carstensen, Lynn Rogers, Shannon Barber-Meyer, Dan Stark, and Dave Garshelis; visited the home, writing cabin, and lodge of Sigurd Olson; had frost-nip several times; learned to cross-country ski; experienced temperatures below -20; tracked bobcats, wolves, mink, voles, moose, fox, hares, squirrels; and met some up-and-coming collegiate ecologists. The first lesson I gained from my experience is one that I feel my colleagues should know, professors and students alike.
One of my favorite experiences during my time in Minnesota was with a small group hiking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area located in the Superior National Forest. Sigurd Olson fought to preserve the area in its natural state. During his time of activism, the nearby towns depended on the local forests for the lumber industry that was the foundation of the economy and livelihood of those living there. Today, Sigurd Olson’s influence continues with the laws that prevent the use of motors in the Boundary Waters. The only way to cross the lakes is by canoe or kayak, and planes cannot fly below 500 feet when over the area.
During my short time in the Boundary Waters, I felt I was in pure wilderness. We meditated alone while we were there, and during that time, there was nothing moving but the wind. I could not hear road noise, boats, planes or even animals moving about. That feeling was surreal. I could not recall the last time I was totally disconnected from civilization and experienced true silence. I would articulate my happiness during that moment, but I cannot. Sigurd Olson would say the Boundary Waters gave me a feeling everyone secretly desires that only true wilderness can provide.
As much as I want to believe everyone wants to be outside, I do not think that is the lesson I brought back with me. I think the Boundary Waters taught me to encourage all of my colleagues to figure out what brings them as much joy as being in nature brings me and to pursue whatever that may be. Ecologist E. O. Wilson was right when he said only through widespread contentment will we ever achieve sustainability. After all, the instinct to prioritize oneself will almost always trump the preservation of the earth. But, if every individual pursues his or her passion, we will be able to fully focus on our work towards a sustainable lifestyle.
Annie Dixon is a sophomore environmental biology major from Evansville, Indiana