Every community is not only indirectly, but also directly, interested in conservation; that is, in the preservation and proper use of our natural resources, such as water, trees, birds, flowers, natural scenery, and all other natural resources.
But we can go further, and show how every community is not only indirectly, but also directly, interested in conservation.
For instance, every community is certainly interested in an adequate and healthful water supply. Have you ever been through a water famine? I recall that in the early 80's, before Reading had its present excellent water system, there were two instances when our citizens actually had to carry water for household purposes. To say nothing of the inconvenience, and of the fear that the few remaining sources, would give out, I well recall the dread with which the community looked forward to a possible fire, and no water to put it out. The first question industry asks today, before it locates in a community, is, "What kind of a water supply is there?" Why not conserve water; why waste it?
Again, it is to the interest of every community to care for its trees, and to encourage the growth of new ones. No trees, no water; for it is the trees, and also the earth-mulch from their foliage, that collect the water which falls from the sky and guide it to the bowels of the earth, whence it reappears as the living springs which feed our streams. Trees shelter the birds, give us welcome shade, beautify the country and the city, and serve as a wind-break against the incipient cyclone and tornado. Surely every community ought to be a friend of the tree.
And so with the birds. Do you realize that no community could live without birds? They are the guardians of the trees and the crops, for they devour the pests which otherwise would eat up every growing thing. No birds, no trees, no crops. Besides, what a dull community it would be if no birds sang there!
And so with flowers. No flowers, no trees; for it is the innumerable little roots of flowering plants that burrow into the soil and form a channel for the irrigation of the roots of trees and the fruits of the soil. And who so blind as not to be roused to admiration of the beauty and the fragrance of the flowers of the meadow, the wood, the garden, and the window-box! Flowers have their place in the wonderful economy of Nature, and it behooves every community to preserve them from the despoiler.
And so with natural scenery. There are many communities that would pay large sums of money if they had the natural scenery of Berks County. There are communities who are actually spending millions to beautify themselves, even though they have to bring the water for miles through irrigation, and have to plant every tree by artificial methods. Our county has these things by Nature's gift, and our great task is to prevent man from destroying them. What a shame to have to confess it!
Conservation is not a fad. It is a very practical proposition. Let a community invest in it, and it will pay unlimited dividends in health, wealth and happiness.
Harvey F. Heinly
President Berks County Conservation Association
Source: Official Program of the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Reading, PA, and the 150th Anniversary of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department Sept. 30th to Oct. 6th 1923, ed. by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Reading, PA, 1923, p. 119.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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