The Scope of the "Wave"

   Here is an aerial image showing the extent of a typical sub-division. 

On my travels across the USA, I have seen examples of this sprawl everywhere! 

   Much of this sprawl has occurred in my lifetime.  I believe that is the result of a "Civilization Bubble" that will probably burst by the year 2050.  The only question is - how much of the natural World will be left when that Bubble bursts? 

The disappearance of Magic

   One of the innocent bystanders in our destruction of the Earth is the Mystery of unpopulated areas. 

   Most of us, I hope, know of some special spot in the woods, or on the prairie, or in the desert, that is magical.  Possibly, we have seen many of those places destroyed within our lifetime.  The usual reason seems to be demands of the human species - housing, shopping centers, highways, quarries.  When does this pattern of shredding wilderness end?  
   Ed Abbey made the proposition that our civilization cannot survive without Wilderness.  It is the source of our species' strength, our inspiration, our refuge from the demands of the man-made world.  Where shall we go for sustenance if truly Wild places disappear? 
   We are throwing oursleves out of Paradise.  There is no need to blame a serpent.  All we need do is look in the mirror.  The more of Us there are, the smaller the remaining Paradise. 
   What do we become if we never have access to those pockets of Paradise?