Exploring Urban Nature in San Antonio: A Conversation with David Brown
San Antonio is about to receive a beautiful gift in the form of a new book titled A Natural History of Empty Lots, penned by the Austin-based author David Brown. This remarkable book is a culmination of two decades of his adventures, observations, and musings about urban nature in places we might otherwise overlook. Brown, who is also an attorney and a writer of dystopian science fiction, invites us to discover the hidden natural wonders nestled within our cities, revealing the resilience and beauty of life that thrives in surprising places.
The Event
For those eager to dive into Brown’s insights, there’s good news! He will be holding a reading and discussion at The Twig Bookshop, located at 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, starting at 5:30 p.m. on September 20, 2024. Joining him will be naturalist and fellow author Jennifer Bristol, ensuring an engaging conversation. Plus, there’s no charge to attend this enlightening event, and both authors will be available for signings afterwards.
What’s the Book About?
At its foundation, A Natural History of Empty Lots is about place. Brown weaves together different styles of writing—from traditional nature writing that paints a vivid picture of landscapes to personal memoir and social commentary. His aim? To describe locales so vividly that readers can almost picture them in their minds, while also encouraging them to see their own environments through a fresh perspective. In the book, Brown dives into the industrial parts of Texas, highlighting how the harsh interventions of the petrochemical industry paradoxically preserve nearby pockets of wild nature, simply because they keep humans at bay.
Finding Nature in the City
One might wonder, “How can I connect with nature in the urban jungle?” Brown suggests that it starts with a shift in mindset. He mentions that we often view the concept of “nature” as something separate from our daily lives. However, in reality, our urban spaces are alive with nature if we know where and how to look. Taking a moment to observe the small details, like the insects on flowers during a stroll, can open our eyes to the beauty around us. Even simple activities like running or biking can lead to unexpected wildlife encounters if we venture slightly off the beaten path.
Pockets of Biodiversity
Brown underscores how San Antonio is rich in accessible nature. The San Antonio River, the headwaters of the Comal River, as well as the local creek beds and empty lots all offer opportunities to experience rich biodiversity. He encourages everyone to take a moment—be it 15 minutes or an hour—just to sit still and see what happens around them. Often, the life is there, quietly existing, just waiting to be noticed. It’s about curiosity rather than expertise, and our natural surroundings are there for everyone to enjoy.
Beauty and Resilience
Speaking about urban nature, Brown eloquently notes, “The natural world is more beautiful when it manifests in these fallen places because of the resilience it reveals.” It’s a sentiment that captures the delicate balance of beauty and suffering. Many urban wildlife species thrive in environments that have been heavily altered by human activity—proving that nature is tenacious, even in the harshest of habitats.
Rethinking Frontiers
Brown also addresses the false narrative we often carry about frontiers and wildness. Contrary to popular belief, he argues that wilderness isn’t a distant land we must travel to; rather, it exists all around us, especially in the liminal spaces between developed areas. He advocates for a new way of thinking about nature—one that embraces the wildness found within urban limits, recognizing these areas as vital ecosystems waiting to be explored and protected.
The Invitation
David Brown’s work serves as an invitation to reconnect, not just with nature, but with ourselves. As we venture into our urban surroundings, we uncover not only the beauty of our natural world but also our place within it. So mark your calendars for September 20th. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or someone looking to dip their toes into exploration, this event promises an enriching experience that brings us closer to the hidden wonders of our environment.
