Monday, May 09, 2005 | “Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self-interest, not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical and spiritual health depends on it.”
As enormous as these figures seem, the need for funding exceeds them. Without additional conservation funds, the key parcels needed to achieve the interconnected system of open space and natural habitat preserves will be developed for other uses within a decade. During this short window of time, San Diegans who care about the wonder and worth of our region’s natural habitat must act.
A small child walks along the river’s edge in the spring of 2050, squinting at the sparkling surface of the water and the butterflies hovering nearby. This is a picture of the future San Diegans must choose to create now, if it is to be at all.
Emily Young holds a doctorate and serves as associate vice president and environment program director at The San Diego Foundation. Young can be reached at