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Collecting Plants
Kat wrote:
"I am planning a camping trip...to the Great Smoky Mountains...I just can't see how something right on the side of the road...could be a big deal if I scoop it up and put it in the back..."
And Melana wrote:
"I have never moved a plant from a protected area even if it was in danger."
Thank you for making the distinction between "rescuing" plants from construction sites and those growing in protected National Parks. I live right here in the Great Smoky Mountains and can assure you that none of those plants are neglected or unappreciated. We have 11 million people come through our little village of Gatlinburg every year and if only a few took plants away with them we would suffer a great loss. I collect wildflowers yet I have NEVER allowed myself to remove one from the Park boundaries, no matter how tempting. I am so thankful that we do still have areas of our country that ARE protected and where we have rangers who are trying to maintain the balance of our ecosystem here despite the fact that we allow so many observers & hikers through.
Kat I welcome you to this list and I in no way wish to hurt your feelings or offend you, but I also appreciate the chance to express my viewpoint as this is something very dear to my heart. This list has opened my eyes and awareness even more to be able to appreciate every single organism that exists on this planet, but I am also so grieved at how even I with the best of intentions have in the past disrupted the "Balance of Nature", and so I am only seeking to point out a greater consciousness when venturing into a Nature Sanctuary.
On a lighter note, I hope you enjoy your weekend in the Smokies and if you are out in the restaurants be sure to look for the "Rose Lady"... I wear an old-fashion hat, flowered dresses and linen apron and carry a basket of roses which I sell and I would be happy to meet you and say "Hello!" to a fellow "weed"-lover.
(See Shannon, you're not the only "Flower Child"! :-) )
Theresa in Tennessee