Impacts
Human populations are quite high in the temperate broadleaf forest due to fairly pleasant climatically and very productive of harvestable plant and animal life. Because the soil is excellent for agriculture, much of it has been cleared for this purpose. In addition, hardwood trees are valuable for timber, so these forests have been severely altered for thousands of years even before extensive farming.
Human alteration of habitat is the greatest threat to biodiversity throughout the biosphere. Many natural landscapes like that of the temperate broad leaf forest have been broken up. This "patchiness" is why species like the peregrine falcon are becoming endangered and at times extinct. In almost all cases, habitat fragmentation and destruction lead to loss of biodiversity.
Since the Wissahickon Valley Park is open to the public, it is very easy for humans to affect the ecosystems that live there, either positively or negatively. For example, if a hiker were to drop a can of bug spray into the creek, it could harm organisms that live in the water, like fish and frogs, as well as any organism that drinks or spends time in the water, such as ducks, geese, raccoons etc. Studies in the past have also shown that humans negatively impact the biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem, such as the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorous cycle. Excess nitrogen gets into the creek because of runoff from nearby farms that use fertilizers. Fertilizers contain nitrates that can build up in the creek and be harmful to organisms that live in or around it. Nitrates also come from runoff from the equestrian farm that is located right next to the park. The nitrates animal feces from the horses also contribute to the high levels in the creek. In addition, excess phosphates are also added to creek water from detergents and fertilizers that are put into the environment by humans. The abundance of these nutrients can cause eutrophication in the Wissahickon creek. Eutrophication is when algal growth gets too high because of a large amount of nutrients and a low amount of oxygen. It is the sign of an unhealthy body of water.
In the past, eutrophication has been a big problem in the Wissahickon creek. However, in more recent times, groups such as the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) have put together projects to conserve and restore the natural beauty of the area. This volunteer organization runs a variety of projects including trail building/restoration, wildlife and water monitoring, and structure restoration. This is one way humans positively impact the Wissahickon Valle Park. Today, the park is much more healthy, both for the human visitors and for the organisms that live there.
Human alteration of habitat is the greatest threat to biodiversity throughout the biosphere. Many natural landscapes like that of the temperate broad leaf forest have been broken up. This "patchiness" is why species like the peregrine falcon are becoming endangered and at times extinct. In almost all cases, habitat fragmentation and destruction lead to loss of biodiversity.
Since the Wissahickon Valley Park is open to the public, it is very easy for humans to affect the ecosystems that live there, either positively or negatively. For example, if a hiker were to drop a can of bug spray into the creek, it could harm organisms that live in the water, like fish and frogs, as well as any organism that drinks or spends time in the water, such as ducks, geese, raccoons etc. Studies in the past have also shown that humans negatively impact the biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem, such as the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorous cycle. Excess nitrogen gets into the creek because of runoff from nearby farms that use fertilizers. Fertilizers contain nitrates that can build up in the creek and be harmful to organisms that live in or around it. Nitrates also come from runoff from the equestrian farm that is located right next to the park. The nitrates animal feces from the horses also contribute to the high levels in the creek. In addition, excess phosphates are also added to creek water from detergents and fertilizers that are put into the environment by humans. The abundance of these nutrients can cause eutrophication in the Wissahickon creek. Eutrophication is when algal growth gets too high because of a large amount of nutrients and a low amount of oxygen. It is the sign of an unhealthy body of water.
In the past, eutrophication has been a big problem in the Wissahickon creek. However, in more recent times, groups such as the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) have put together projects to conserve and restore the natural beauty of the area. This volunteer organization runs a variety of projects including trail building/restoration, wildlife and water monitoring, and structure restoration. This is one way humans positively impact the Wissahickon Valle Park. Today, the park is much more healthy, both for the human visitors and for the organisms that live there.
The Future?
The human race is growing at an exponential rate. The need for space for agricultural and infrastructure is growing as our population does. Without groups like the FOW protecting the Wissahickon, environments around the globe would be endangered of extinction.
Three simple steps can be taken to move toward a healthier planet- they are the 3 R's. They stand for reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Reduce- The best way to manage waste is to not produce it. This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of a few guidelines.
Reuse- It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse products. Sometimes it takes creativity.
Recycling- is a series of steps that takes a used material and processes, remanufactures, and sells it as a new product. Begin recycling at home and at work.
Three simple steps can be taken to move toward a healthier planet- they are the 3 R's. They stand for reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Reduce- The best way to manage waste is to not produce it. This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of a few guidelines.
Reuse- It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse products. Sometimes it takes creativity.
Recycling- is a series of steps that takes a used material and processes, remanufactures, and sells it as a new product. Begin recycling at home and at work.