Natural setting as cultural landscapes: the power of place and tradition

Abstract

The natural environment of the Madrean Archipelago comprises a mosaic of cultural landscapes. Throughout human history, people have imbued the natural environment with meaning by layering cultural values and historic contexts onto the natural world, allowing them to situate themselves in time and space. Cultural landscapes contain special places that have power associated with important events, people, or critical resources. Effective conservation and management of the Madrean Archipelago require an understanding of the complexities and intricacies of the storied cultural landscapes layered upon the natural environment.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Anyon, Roger; Ferguson, T. J.; Colwell-Chanthaphonh, Chip. 2005. Natural setting as cultural landscapes: the power of place and tradition. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 273-276