"We are reflections of our places...We are parts of larger parts, pieces in a larger ensemble." David Orr (Orr 1996)

Listen to our Inner Voice: When confronted with the task of choosing my topic of study within the Cannon River Watershed, I knew right away my direction was towards landscapes dominated by flora and fauna. There is an innateness that exists outdoors, that I believe humans have been connected to since the start of their existence, that which is continually overlooked in our fast paced growing society. My announcement is we should stop overlooking and really look at the environment and its parts.

A connection with wildness: I needed to prove to myself that this connection with wildness still exists. It can be easy to forget the environment we came from; I want to remind everyone it still exists. I believe an ecological connection to place has potential to bleed into all aspects of life, strengthening and supporting community. Knowing what is going on in the environment that brings us life allows us to see ourselves as part of a larger scheme, bringing about environmental stewardship. The fact these outdoor places thrive in a community of human interaction shows that this connection is real and alive.

Parts of the Whole: A way to truly remember is by studying in detail. Everything is composed of many parts, spatially and temporally. Looking at each part leads to understanding the whole. Great detail educates and brings knowledge, a key component of understanding. With understanding comes connection and a sense of place.

Habitat Profiling: I chose to study four different areas within the Cannon River Watershed, a forest, a marsh, a prairie, and one place that encompasses all three habitats. This includes Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, the Straight River Marsh, the Valley Grove prairie, and the Donkers' Homestead, respectively. I discovered these areas were not exclusive to habitat type, for example, the Straight River Marsh is surrounded by a restored mixed grass prairie. Each of these habitats has a history and an interaction with humans that makes them what they are today, a unique combination of species.

Species Profiling: I have created original artwork of species in each habitat in addition to notes on their characteristics, a result of direct interaction with individual plant species. My goal is to provide landscape profiles within the Cannon River Watershed through localized case studies.