A Walk Around Monomoy Island...

Down to the Beach

   I don't often preach on this blog unless it is something I feel very strongly about.  This is one time I need to step up on my soap box.  While I was in Chatham I took a walk in the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge.  It is a spectacular setting clinging to the edge of the sea.  It is the only designated wilderness area in Southern New England.  Without that designation this entire area would have succumbed to the crazed builders of multimillion dollar homes that ring the reserve. It is a primary stop on the Eastern fly way of migratory birds and the seals seek solitude on the sandy islands.

In wilderness is the preservation of the world. - H.D. Thoreau

   This place in Chatham surely validates Thoreau's thoughts. Chatham, on the whole, is a sanctuary for the wealthy and well connected.  Their estates dominate the shoreline with "private property" signs in abundance...except on Monomoy.  The wealth I had to drive by to get to the refuge made it all the more stunning in its contrasting unmanicured, natural landscape.

    As contemplative photographers we can, if we wish, try to show the world the beauty of these wild places.  Perhaps in so doing we may encourage others to work with us on their preservation.  The world has enough seaside mansions...it doesn't have enough of these sanctuaries for our fin, fur and feathered friends.  Is there a wild and threatened place you care about?  Consider ways you can use your photography to save these special places for generations to come.  I can think of no better use for our work.

In-coming Tide on Monomoy Island

     One resource to explore:

The Wilderness Society

   Find a way to become involved preserving what is left of our wild spaces before places like Monomoy Wildlife Reserve cease to exist.

The benefits of wilderness are numerous. Wilderness provides so much more than a place to camp, hike or fish. Wilderness cleans our air and filters our water. It provides a home for wildlife and an economic driver for local communities. - See more at: http://wilderness.org/article/why-protect-wilderness#sthash.yG7aBwIo.dpuf

Not all federal wildlands are "wilderness." Wilderness is a type of protection given to the most pristine wildlands — areas within national parks, forests, recreation areas and other wildlands where there are no roads or development. This officially designated wilderness is the last remnant of the wild landscapes that once stretched from coast to coast. - See more at: http://wilderness.org/why#sthash.xlWSrjxH.dpuf

Not all federal wildlands are "wilderness." Wilderness is a type of protection given to the most pristine wildlands — areas within national parks, forests, recreation areas and other wildlands where there are no roads or development. This officially designated wilderness is the last remnant of the wild landscapes that once stretched from coast to coast. - See more at: http://wilderness.org/why#sthash.xlWSrjxH.dpuf