Did you ever meet someone and instantly knew he or she was a kindred soul? I had that experience at an event sponsored by the Save the Redwoods League. They hosted a talk by Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone on the emerging threat of Ebola and other extreme viruses, and The Wild Trees about the few remaining old-growth trees and his “treks” through their canopies. I was lucky to have a chance to talk to him for several uninterrupted minutes, and had to remind myself I needed to share with other attendees.
I owe my interest in virology and infectious diseases to his work. I was very pleased to hear him tie the importance of old-growth canopy dense forests with his prior work. Few have ever thought to make the connection between the world's largest living things and the threat of some of the world's smallest organisms. As deforestation causes a loss of habitat to higher level animals, insects and other lower animals are increasingly becoming vectors for potential pandemic infections, for which we have miniscule knowledge and certainly no cure.
Mr. Preston reminds me a great deal of Indiana Jones, and like Indy, was a university professor. His first chapter of The Hot Zone reminded me a lot of the first scene of the first Indiana Jones movie, leaving you breathless after just a few short moments and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Wild Trees, though, touched a place in my heart; and these trees above all others resonate with a power and majesty that I cannot adequately explain. To hear him talk of places unexplored—fractalled redwood canopies-- that exist in something I love so much is like finding a magic kingdom past the back panel of an old wardrobe.
I owe my interest in virology and infectious diseases to his work. I was very pleased to hear him tie the importance of old-growth canopy dense forests with his prior work. Few have ever thought to make the connection between the world's largest living things and the threat of some of the world's smallest organisms. As deforestation causes a loss of habitat to higher level animals, insects and other lower animals are increasingly becoming vectors for potential pandemic infections, for which we have miniscule knowledge and certainly no cure.
Mr. Preston reminds me a great deal of Indiana Jones, and like Indy, was a university professor. His first chapter of The Hot Zone reminded me a lot of the first scene of the first Indiana Jones movie, leaving you breathless after just a few short moments and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Wild Trees, though, touched a place in my heart; and these trees above all others resonate with a power and majesty that I cannot adequately explain. To hear him talk of places unexplored—fractalled redwood canopies-- that exist in something I love so much is like finding a magic kingdom past the back panel of an old wardrobe.
Entry by Karla
Long-time Tree Hugger
Long-time Tree Hugger
1 comment:
It's possible that you might find Michael Taylor the co-discoverer of Hyperion to be equally interesting to meet.
Michael really shoots from the hip. He probably has unparalled experience in the redwoods.
You may find this page amusing:
Atlas Grove, Grove of Titans and Redwoods
Cheers,
MDV
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