Roots and All - Gardening Podcast · Sarah Wilson

Episode 330: Ecological Art for the People

·26 min·2 clips

Kelly Morse blends ecology and design to rewild urban spaces, transforming how we experience nature.

Kelly Morse, co-founder of 7030 Studio, joins host Sarah Wilson to discuss ecological art and rewilding urban spaces. Morse's design practice aims to reconnect people with nature through creative, sustainable interventions. Her background as the daughter of a park ranger and a fisheries scientist deeply informs her mission. Morse explains that 7030 Studio's philosophy centers on transforming how urban residents experience the natural world. She describes her unusual childhood, including spending weeks in Mount Rainier National Park while her mother worked there. Her family's professional roles involved wildlife science, public education, and conservation rule-making. Early experiences, like being tasked with seed collection in alpine meadows due to her small size and lower environmental impact, shaped her perspective. The studio tackles the practical challenges of integrating wild landscapes into city environments. A key goal is making ecological awareness accessible and engaging for the general public. The conversation explores how everyday people can incorporate more nature into their lives. Morse reveals that she only later understood how unique her immersive childhood in nature was compared to most people. The anecdote about rangers employing children for seed collection highlights a pragmatic, early lesson in low-impact environmental interaction. Her work translates scientific and conservation principles into tangible public art and design. The discussion suggests that rewilding projects can alter human behavior and perception in cities. Morse argues for creative design as a critical tool for fostering ecological connection. The tone is conversational, educational, and infused with personal narrative. The style is interview-based, moving from personal history to professional philosophy. Listeners interested in urban ecology, landscape design, and community-based environmental art will find this episode compelling. Those seeking strictly technical horticultural advice might find the focus on art and philosophy less directly applicable.

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