The World Without Us by Alan Weisman

Summary: (Selection from Amazon):
"Alan Weisman offers an utterly original approach to questions of humanity's impact on the planet: he asks us to envision our Earth, without us. In this far-reaching narrative, Weisman explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and finally vanish without human presence; which everyday items may become immortalized as fossils; how copper pipes and wiring would be crushed into mere seams of reddish rock; why some of our earliest buildings might be the last architecture left; and how plastic, bronze sculpture, radio waves, and some man-made molecules may be our most lasting gifts to the universe."

Reviews:
NY Times: "Starting Over" by Jennifer Schuessler:
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/books/review/Schuessler-t.html
The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/may/03/society1

Book and Author Website:
http://www.worldwithoutus.com/about_author.html

Author Interviews:
1. NPR: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14194915
2. Jon Stewart: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/0xoqg1/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-alan-weisman
3. NOVA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CsBMCfu0s
4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQxBYoGNmO0

Related Articles:
1. "Should it be Saved: Proposals to focus resources on some endangered species and let others go extinct are stirring fierce debate", Warren Corwall, Science, Sept. 7, 2018.
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/361/6406/962

2. "Florence engulfs hog farms and chicken houses, thrashing NC agriculture", Dan Charles, NPR, September 18, 2018.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/09/18/649132289/florence-engulfs-hog-farms-and-chicken-houses-thrashing-north-carolina-agricultu

Eleven Fun Facts from the Book: Mother Earth News:
https://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/nature/world-without-us-alan-weisman

Discussion Questions: 

1.     What are some of the things that you found surprising or not, that would survive a world without humans?

2.     When considering common household items you use (such as a computer, cell phone, lawnmower, etc.), reflect on its origins, how it’s manufactured, its’ uses and lifespan, etc. How might such self-reflection inform your future choices that you make to buy, use or store something?

3.     Which species do you think will adapt, thrive or decline in our changing world?

4.     Many conservation groups and governments (i.e. Endangered Species Act, etc. ) have worked and continue to work to protect and restore species most at risk of disappearing. Which species do you think we should focus on to save? How does one choose?

5.     Are humans a part of the natural world or separate?

6.     We are aware of some of the worst ecological disasters such as Chernobyl, but were some of the author’s examples surprising to you, such as plastics, embalming products, flower industry waste, nuclear waste? (Remember, this book was written in 2007)

7.     Did you find this book depressing? Hopeful? What was your emotional response to this book?

8.     If humans were gone, what would you hope would return, i.e. animals, plants, etc.

9.     What new revelations might you have to help the destiny of the earth now, beyond your own personal actions, which would have a greater, broader, meaningful impact? Perhaps: promoting renewable energies, encouraging businesses to eliminate plastic bags and straws, supporting conservation and environmental groups, other ideas?

Some of the questions were inspired from: https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/sites/default/files/bookclubkit/discussions/weisman_world.pdf and http://www.galesburglibrary.org/BookClub/WorldWithoutUs.pdf

Citizen Science: How Ordinary People are Changing the Face of Discovery by Caren Cooper

Summary ( from Amazon): 
"Think you need a degree in science to contribute to important scientific discoveries? Think again. All around the world, in fields ranging from astronomy to zoology, millions of everyday people are choosing to participate in the scientific process. Working in cooperation with scientists in pursuit of information, innovation, and discovery, these volunteers are following protocols, collecting and reviewing data, and sharing their observations. They are our neighbors, our in-laws, and people in the office down the hall. Their story, along with the story of the social good that can result from citizen science, has largely been untold, until now.

Citizen scientists are challenging old notions about who can conduct research, where knowledge can be acquired, and even how solutions to some of our biggest societal problems might emerge. In telling their story, Cooper will inspire readers to rethink their own assumptions about the role that individuals can play in gaining scientific understanding and putting that understanding to use as stewards of our world. Citizen Science will be a rallying call-to-arms, and will also function as an authoritative resource for those inspired by the featured stories and message. "

Scientific articles by Caren Cooper: 
"Citizen Science: A Developing Tool for Expanding Science Knowledge and Scientific Literacy"
https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/59/11/977/251421

Articles in Scientific American by Caren Cooper:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/author/caren-cooper/

Author's Website: https://www.carencooper.com/

Reviews:
Wilson Center:
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/book-review-citizen-science-how-ordinary-people-are-changing-the-face-discovery
Discover Magazine:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/citizen-science-salon/2017/05/23/book-review-citizen-science-how-ordinary-people-are-changing-the-face-of-discovery/#.W10uCthKiRs

Interviews:
Informal Science (2015): http://www.informalscience.org/news-views/advancing-citizen-science-qa-caren-cooper

TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7cQHSqfSzI

Yale Envirnomenal 360:
https://e360.yale.edu/features/interview_caren_cooper_how_rise_of_citizen_science_is_democratizing_research

ASTC (2016): http://www.astc.org/events/astc-on-air-with-caren-cooper/

Citizen Science Event at Bucks County Audubon Society: August 18th at 2 p.m. Cold Blooded Critters: PA Amphibians and Reptile Survey: Click here to learn more:
http://www.bcas.org/event/cold-blooded-critters-pa-amphibian-reptile-survey-pars/

Sites to find and participate in Citizen Science projects:
**This is the one is guided by the author: https://scistarter.com/cooper
https://www.zooniverse.org/

Discussion Questions: (Heidi will be leading the discussion and these are her questions.)

1. How would you describe citizen science and is it real science?

2. There are many citizen science programs that have yielded fascinating findings and important contributions, such as: CoCoRaHS  and weather monitoring (p. 22-), Nest Record Scheme (p. 34), Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and ebird (p. 42 - ), Monarch Programs (p. 81 - ), Galaxy Zoo or Stardust@home (pp. 83-),  Biochemistry and Folding@home and Rosetta@home (p. 111 - ),  MERCCURI (p. 133  -), Keep it Clean (p. 192- ), etc.

3. Discuss what impacts these programs have had and which ones you found especially surprising and interesting.

4. What do you think of BOINC (p. 110 - ) and what it accomplishes?

5. Discuss the cases that led to open access policies, including Michael Servetus, Aaron Swartz and We the People. (148 - )

6. What impact does citizen science and open access science have on traditional science and the research process? (p. 151 -)

7. “ Crowds may be typical in citizen science, but they are not essential.  James-Creedon quotes Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only that that ever has.” “ (p. 210) How can an engaged public through these projects yield life saving information and change, good and perhaps, not wanted, i.e. with fracking, tracking pollution, Sustainability Leadership Program, Global Community Monitor, LABB, iWitness Pollution Map, etc, ? (p. 172-, 209- )

8. Discuss the concept of  “community insurance” as used to protect the snow leopard in Asia. (p. 165-)

9. Have you or are you currently involved in a Citizen Science program and if so, which one(s)? Describe how you got started and your experiences.

10. Have you visited the Scistarter website and if yes, which projects look interesting to you?

Riverwalking: Reflections on Moving Water by Kathleen Dean Moore

Summary:
"In these twenty elegant essays, a philosopher and amateur naturalist meanders along the rivers and streams of the american West-and muses on love, loss, aging, motherhood, happiness, the art of poking around, and other important matters. “A smart, compassionate, and wise meditation on living in place” (Terry Tempest Williams)."

Author's Website: https://www.riverwalking.com/

Reviews:
Kirkus: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kathleen-dean-moore/riverwalking/

Interview with Author: https://www.terrain.org/2018/interviews/kathleen-dean-moore/
"If Your House is on Fire": https://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/444/if-your-house-is-on-fire

(Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Dunes_National_Recreation_Area)

Discussion Questions: (Written by Donna, who will be leading our discussion)

1.     Ms. Moore interweaves many family stories into her reflections on natural history and her adventures along the waterways.  Too much so?  Could you share a story about your family enjoying the great outdoors?

2.     Winter Creek – “Poking around is a guaranteed way to learn”  (p. 36) re-creation, impressions, connections, recollections.  If someone asks, “Who are you?”  How would you answer?   I am a person, who……..

a.     McKenzie R. – taxonomy – Why do we love to learn the names of the flora and fauna we encounter on our forays?  Might this detract from, or enhance the experience? 

b.     Aquajita Wash – desert arroyo – Why do we make lists of the birds and trees, rocks and trails from our various trips and outings?

3.     Alamo Canyon Creek – rattlesnakes – What is it about snakes?  Do you have a favorite snake story?  Have you been to the desert?

4.     Bear Creek – shifting sand dunes – The author’s secret camping spot was transformed into a visitor’s site, complete with parking, restrooms, and interpretive signs.  Can you recall a special place like this from your past that has changed?

5.     Smoholla R. – nesting instinct – Have you been camping lately?  Tell us about                          your home base arrangements. 

6.     The John Day – happiness depends on tranquility and excitement – Do you agree?  Have you ever turned to nature in times of trouble, sorrow, or grief?

7.     Moore includes interesting facts about the flora and fauna and people in her essays; newts, ticks, John Day, salmon, etc.  What was your favorite piece or new thing you learned?

The Wilderness World by John Muir, Edited by Edwin W. Teale

Summary (Amazon):
As a conservationist, John Muir traveled through most of the American wilderness alone and on foot, without a gun or a sleeping bag. In 1903, while on a three-day camping trip with President Theodore Roosevelt, he convinced the president of the importance of a national conservation program, and he is widely recognized for saving the Grand Canyon and Arizona's Petrified Forest. Muir's writing, based on journals he kept throughout his life, gives our generation a picture of an America still wild and unsettled only one hundred years ago. In The Wildernesss World of John Muir edited by Edwin Way Teale has selected the best of Muir's writing from all of his major works; including My First Summer in the Sierra and Travels in Alaska to provide a singular collection that provides to be "magnificent, thrilling, exciting, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring" (Kirkus Reviews).

Reviews:
Sierra Club: 
https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/bibliographic_resources/book_reviews/wilderness_world_rv_wood.aspx

Articles:
Smithsonian: Yosemite: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/john-muirs-yosemite-10737/

The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1897/08/the-american-forests/305017/

Dunbar, Scotland (his birthplace): https://www.jmbt.org.uk/

Biography and Exhibit by Sierra Club:
https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/life/muir_biography.aspx

Videos: 
PBS: National Parks: John Muir:
http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/people/historical/muir/
PBS: John Muir in the New World:
https://www.pbs.org/video/american-masters-john-muir-in-the-new-world-1/

Quotes: 
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. "

"In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks."

Discussion Questions (Written by John Shiver, who will also lead the discussion)

1. How did John’s childhood and upbringing help prepare him for his life and career as a naturalist and explorer?
2. Muir encountered many people in his travels. how did they contribute to the success of his wanderings and how were they different from what his father had taught him to expect from strangers?
3. Of all his adventures, which would you choose to have experienced or shared with him and why?
4. How did Thoreau’s and Emerson’s writings influence Muir? How were these men and their experiences similar and different?
5. How would you explain Muir’s accurate premonition that his friend, Professor Butler, had arrived in CA from WI? Was this a coincidence or representative of some greater insight that he was capable of?
6. How did Muir’s writings establish and popularize the conservation movement in the US? Discuss his style and why it still holds so much appeal today? What were some of your favorite passages?
7. What were some of his scientific contributions that related to the formation and geology of California Sierras and Yosemite?