My announcement is we should stop overlooking and really look at the environment and its parts: Through my investigation of different habitats within the Cannon River Watershed, and the species within these places, I was able to look deeply into what constitutes the environment of this region. I was not a simple observer, but rather interacted with the landscape on different levels. I think this involvement shows through on the web site and will allow others to see the landscape on a closer level as well.

The fact these outdoor places thrive in a community of human interaction shows that this connection is real and alive: I have shown that the human connection with wild landscape is prevalent in the community, on personal, regional, and state-wide levels. The motivations for this connection are varied and specific to each place, showing that restoration and conservation is something individual and graspable in different spheres of life.

Great detail educates and brings knowledge, a key component of understanding. With understanding comes connection and a sense of place: In order for one to truly know something, they need to look at it in detail. I believe this has been accomplished in this study, and will only fuel future explorations of similar nature. I have become more connected to the region by knowing what is really here, and I feel that others reading this web page will gain this as well.

Each of these habitats has a history and an interaction with humans that makes them what they are today, a unique combination of species: A look at the different levels of a habitat, both spatially and temporally brings about the detail necessary to make a close connection with place. This connection can bring about environmental stewardship by showing it in action.

My goal is to provide landscape profiles within the Cannon River Watershed through localized case studies: I have provided profiles of specific environments within the Cannon River Watershed. Through this I have achieved a greater sense of place that will drive my future to be one of a more aware and keen relationship with the environment by way of local investigation and interaction. I feel this study has reinforced my motivation and appreciation for restoration and conservation in the different levels of life. It is something that is widespread and applicable in scope, in regards to both time and space.