When I need to get away from people (either because of a global pandemic or just because humans can be really awful and exhausting(, I grab my dog, load up my car, and head to the woods. Usually, I venture into a federally designated Wilderness area. These remote and wild places allow me to unplug and reconnect with nature.

I love Wilderness areas, but I can’t stand some of the Wilderness debates happening among the conservation community. Wilderness offers a lot of solutions to our many conservation problems. Too many of us, though, have gotten lost by debating “purity standards” and access rules.

Fortunately, my friend Zack, who is a big Wilderness advocate, has a fresh take on what Wilderness is and how it can be used to conserve species and fight climate change. We’re not just talking about far off wild places and rugged mountains! It’s all about humility and finding the wildness around you.

Cheers!