PDF Summary:Soil, by Camille T. Dungy

In Soil, author Camille T. Dungy writes about transforming her yard in Colorado into a thriving ecosystem, revealing the deeper connections between nature, identity, and social justice. Dungy explores how cultivating native plants provides a sense of belonging while confronting systemic racism that impacts access to green spaces.

As Dungy nurtures her garden into a vibrant community, she reflects on the exclusion of Black voices from environmental narratives. By acknowledging the legacies of Indigenous displacement and oppression embedded in landscapes, Dungy calls for a more inclusive vision of land stewardship that embraces marginalized stories.

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Context

• Soil health impacts biodiversity, influencing the variety of organisms that can thrive in an ecosystem, from microorganisms to larger fauna.
• River stones are often used in landscaping for decorative purposes, to control erosion, or to improve drainage. Removing them can indicate a shift towards a more natural or ecologically beneficial landscape.
• Removing rocks and amending soil is a common gardening practice to improve soil structure, aeration, and fertility, which are crucial for healthy plant growth.
• Using compost and topsoil is a sustainable gardening practice that recycles organic waste and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting an environmentally friendly approach to gardening.
• The layers of cardboard or newspaper act as a barrier to suppress weeds, reducing competition for nutrients and water.
• By adding organic matter to the soil, this method can help sequester carbon, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.
• The practice of soil enrichment has historical roots in various cultures, such as Indigenous methods of land management, which emphasize sustainability and respect for natural cycles.
• Just as enriching soil can be a community effort, social justice work often involves collective action and collaboration among diverse groups to achieve meaningful change.
• The layering method in gardening involves adding organic materials to enrich the soil. Similarly, addressing social injustices often requires layering new policies, education, and community support to build a healthier society.

Author's Challenges and Discoveries in the Evolving Garden

Dungy candidly shares the challenges and discoveries she encounters as her gardening project evolves. Her dedication to creating a diverse and sustainable landscape requires ongoing adaptation, observation, and at times accepting some "unruliness."

Managing Unpredictable Weather's Impact on Gardens

Living in Colorado's semi-arid climate exposes Dungy's plants to extreme weather fluctuations. From intense summer heat reaching 100°F to periods of drought to unexpected snowstorms and harsh freezes, she witnesses firsthand how weather patterns can disrupt her carefully laid plans. Dungy learns to adapt, experimenting with different planting strategies, watering techniques, and even accepting occasional losses that come with the cyclical nature of gardening. This experience of working with, rather than against, the forces of nature becomes a powerful metaphor for navigating the uncertainties of life itself.

Other Perspectives

• Some gardeners may argue that rather than disrupting plans, unpredictable weather conditions provide opportunities to learn and implement more resilient gardening practices.
• Experimentation without proper knowledge or understanding of the local ecosystem could inadvertently cause harm to the environment or local biodiversity.
• While accepting occasional losses is pragmatic, it could be argued that more proactive or preventive measures might reduce the frequency or severity of these losses.
• The metaphor assumes a level of predictability and cyclical patterns in nature that may not always correspond to the often unpredictable and non-cyclical nature of human life events.

Managing Plant Growth and Expansion

As her garden flourishes, Dungy encounters the challenge of managing plant growth and spread. The same native species she celebrates for their ecological benefits sometimes exhibit a vigor that challenges her desire for order. Milkweed spreads aggressively, sending forth rhizomes that produce new plants in unexpected locations. Even the beloved hollyhocks in her dooryard grow "unruly," their tall stalks threatening to whip passersby. Dungy learns to balance her aesthetic preferences with what her plants require, embracing a measure of "wildness" while continuing to strive for harmony. She grapples with the ethics of intervention, questioning whether to trim back exuberant plants, acknowledging that her actions impact those who rely on her garden for sustenance.

Practical Tips

• Create a DIY drip irrigation system using recycled bottles to regulate water distribution and prevent overgrowth caused by overwatering. Puncture small holes in the sides of plastic bottles, bury them next to plants, and fill them with water. This ensures plants receive a slow and steady supply of water at the roots, promoting even growth and reducing the likelihood of some plants overshadowing others.
• Create a native plant swap group in your community to encourage the spread of aggressive-growing native species. By exchanging cuttings or seeds of plants like milkweed and hollyhocks with neighbors, you can foster a local ecosystem that supports native flora and fauna. This can be as simple as starting a Facebook group or a WhatsApp chat where community members can post what they have available and arrange swaps.
• Start a small milkweed garden in a clear container to observe rhizome development over time. By using a transparent container, you can watch the roots and rhizomes grow, providing a live example of the plant's unexpected spreading and offering insights into underground plant behavior.
• Implement a regular pruning schedule for your hollyhocks. By selectively cutting back the plants at certain times of the year, you can control their size and shape, making them less likely to become a danger to those walking by. This strategy also promotes healthier plants and can lead to more vigorous flowering.
• Develop a "Green Thumb Diary" to track the growth and health of your plants against the backdrop of your home's aesthetics. Note down each plant's progress and how changes in your home's design affect them. If you notice a plant thriving after being moved to a different spot that's more in line with your style, document the change. This diary will help you find a balance between what looks good and what's good for your plants.
• Practice 'companion planting' by pairing plants that benefit each other. This method not only optimizes space and resources but also encourages a harmonious growth pattern. For instance, planting tomatoes alongside basil can help repel pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
• Create a 'pruning' swap with friends or family to help each other identify and reduce excess. Sometimes it's easier to see what others don't need than to evaluate your own life. Meet regularly to discuss and suggest what each person might consider cutting back on, like unused subscriptions, redundant household items, or even commitments that no longer serve a purpose. This mutual support can make the process more enjoyable and effective.
• Implement a "garden-to-table" community exchange where neighbors can share their homegrown produce. Set up a system where you and your neighbors can exchange fruits, vegetables, and herbs, thus reducing the need for store-bought goods and fostering a sense of community reliance. You could use an online platform or a simple bulletin board in a communal area to facilitate the exchange. This not only encourages sustainable living but also strengthens the local food web.

Historical and Political Contexts of Land, Racism, and Ecological Justice

Dungy's Soil delves into the complex interconnections between land, racism, and environmental justice, demonstrating how the history of colonization, Indigenous displacement, and systemic racism continues to shape the landscape and people's ability to reach natural spaces. Dungy’s personal experiences living in predominantly white communities, coupled with her deep understanding of American history and Black experiences, inform her nuanced perspective on these issues.

Examining Land Claims and Authority in U.S. History

Dungy explores the historical context of land ownership and governance in America, highlighting how the very notion of "wild lands" is intertwined with a history of colonization and erasure. The romanticized image of pristine landscapes untouched by human influence, often celebrated in canonical environmental literature, obscures the fact that Indigenous stewardship has shaped these lands for millennia.

Impact of Colonization, Indigenous Relocation, and Systemic Racism on Land

The author directly addresses the devastating impacts of colonization and Manifest Destiny on Indigenous communities, revealing how land seizure through broken treaties and forced relocation has profoundly altered the terrain and disrupted traditional ecological practices. Dungy connects these historical injustices with the systemic racism that continues to affect access to natural spaces, highlighting how communities of color are disproportionately exposed to environmental harms, from pollution to lack of green space. She recognizes the ongoing struggle for recognition and equity within environmentalism, advocating for the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in crafting a more just and lasting future.

Practical Tips

• You can support indigenous-led conservation efforts by researching and donating to organizations that work to restore traditional ecological practices. By contributing to these groups, you're directly aiding in the re-establishment of disrupted practices and helping to heal the altered terrain. For example, find a local indigenous-led initiative that is working on reforestation or sustainable agriculture and set up a monthly donation.
• Create a digital map of lesser-known natural spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all. Use social media or a simple website to share information about these locations, including how to get there, what to expect, and any cultural significance they might have. This helps to democratize information and encourage equitable access to natural areas.
• You can amplify diverse voices in environmentalism by following and sharing content from activists and organizations that represent marginalized communities on social media. By doing this, you help increase their visibility and influence. For example, if you come across an insightful post about environmental justice from an Indigenous activist, share it on your feed with a supportive comment to engage your network in the conversation.
• Volunteer for a local organization that works with marginalized communities, and offer to help with their social media or newsletter. This allows you to amplify diverse voices and stories that might not otherwise get the attention they deserve. You could share success stories of individuals from the community, highlight cultural events, or promote discussions on inclusion and equity.

Race- and Socioeconomic-Related Disparities in Access to Natural Spaces

Dungy’s own experiences living in predominantly white communities, coupled with her awareness of historical inequities, highlight the disparities in access to natural spaces. She recounts instances where her family felt unwelcome or unsafe, recalling the occasion when a white neighbor called the police on her Black husband just for riding his bike. These personal anecdotes underscore the systemic racism embedded within environmentalism, often evident in the lack of representation in outdoor recreation, the exclusion of Black and brown voices from conservation efforts, and the criminalization of Black and brown people for simply existing in natural spaces.

Context

• Outdoor recreation industries and media have historically underrepresented people of color, which can perpetuate a sense of exclusion and lack of belonging in natural spaces.
• Experiences of racial discrimination, such as being unjustly reported to the police, can have significant psychological effects, including anxiety, stress, and a sense of alienation from community spaces.
• Environmental policies have sometimes been implemented without considering the impact on marginalized communities, leading to outcomes that can exacerbate existing inequalities.
• Effective conservation requires engaging with local communities, but Black and brown communities are often overlooked or inadequately consulted in the planning and implementation of conservation projects.
• Black and brown individuals are often subject to increased surveillance and suspicion in predominantly white or affluent areas, including parks and natural spaces, leading to higher rates of police encounters.

Other Perspectives

• Personal anecdotes, while powerful, may not always reflect the broader systemic issues and could be influenced by individual biases or isolated incidents.

Understanding and Acknowledging Complex Land Histories

Dungy encourages readers to engage with the complex and often painful histories embedded within the landscapes they inhabit. She reveals the hidden layers of her own yard in Fort Collins, recalling the site's past as a Confederate camp and recruitment location. She acknowledges how the wealth and prosperity of Lynchburg, Virginia, were built on the backs of enslaved people, a legacy that persists in the very structure of her rented carriage house. Through these personal anecdotes and historical explorations, Dungy dismantles the illusion of pristine landscapes, urging readers to confront the violence and oppression that have influenced our surroundings.

Enduring Effects of Violence and Suppression on Nature

The author skillfully connects historical injustices like the transatlantic slave trade, the forced relocation of the Cherokee, and the massacre at Sand Creek to contemporary environmental issues. By recognizing the enduring legacy of these events, including the systemic racism that continues to permeate American society, Dungy shows how past traumas and inequities contribute to the degradation of the environment and the unequal distribution of its benefits. This understanding informs her own gardening practices, as she carefully selects plants that possess historical significance for Black and Indigenous communities, such as pole beans that commemorate the Cherokee's forced displacement and the sunflowers that have been cultivated for millennia by Indigenous peoples. Cultivating this greenery becomes a symbolic act of defiance, reclaiming a connection to ancestral knowledge and practices that were systematically erased.

Context

• The suppression of Indigenous and African agricultural practices has led to a loss of biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge. This erasure contributes to contemporary environmental degradation as sustainable practices are replaced by industrial agriculture.
• Schools in predominantly minority neighborhoods often receive less funding and resources, leading to disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes.
• Engaging with plants of historical significance can be a healing process, offering a way to connect with and reconcile past traumas through nurturing and growth.
• Pole beans are a type of climbing bean plant that requires support to grow vertically, often using poles or trellises. They are known for their high yield and efficient use of space, making them a practical choice for cultivation.
• Indigenous cultivation practices led to a wide variety of sunflower types, each adapted to different climates and uses, from oil production to ornamental purposes.
• Despite efforts to erase these practices, many communities have preserved their agricultural heritage through oral traditions, community gardens, and cultural revitalization movements, which serve as acts of resistance and resilience.

Other Perspectives

• It is possible to acknowledge the historical context of environmental issues while also recognizing that modern society has the agency and technological capability to mitigate these problems independently of their historical origins.
• Cultivating greenery may not always be perceived as an act of defiance, but rather as a common practice of agriculture or horticulture with no symbolic meaning attached.

Honoring and Preserving Marginalized Stories

Dungy's work emphasizes the importance of honoring and preserving stories that have been systematically erased from dominant historical narratives. She recounts the story of her great-uncle Hugh, a Black man who pursued his graduate studies in agriculture at Colorado A&M in the 1950s. Despite the challenges he faced in a segregated society, Hugh’s story reveals the resilience and determination of Black individuals who sought to contribute to a field that had traditionally excluded them. Dungy's persistent search for traces of him at the university, despite the lack of records, highlights the importance of excavating and celebrating these hidden histories.

This dedication to marginalized stories extends to her own writing, as she challenges the conventions of environmental literature by centering her experiences as a Black mother and woman. She actively resists the pressure to present a romanticized, solitary vision of nature, embracing the disorder of domestic life, the joys and struggles of parenting, and the complexities of navigating a world where her identity is constantly scrutinized. Dungy’s work demonstrates how acknowledging and celebrating marginalized voices enriches our understanding of nature, challenging us to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable future.

Context

• Including marginalized stories in educational curricula can foster a more comprehensive understanding of history, promoting empathy and awareness among students.
• The presence of Black students in fields like agriculture during this time was significant as it challenged stereotypes and paved the way for future generations to enter and diversify these professions.
• Despite these challenges, many Black individuals relied on strong community networks and personal resilience to pursue their goals. Family, church, and community organizations often provided crucial support and encouragement.
• The lack of records contributes to the erasure of Black contributions from historical narratives, making it difficult to fully acknowledge and celebrate their achievements and struggles.
• Her narratives often focus on the realistic aspects of life, such as the chaos and beauty of family life, rather than idealized depictions of nature, offering a more nuanced view of human-environment interactions.
• Embracing domestic life in environmental narratives acknowledges that human experiences, including family dynamics and daily routines, are integral to understanding ecological systems. This perspective broadens the scope of environmental literature to include diverse human experiences.
• The scrutiny of identity involves constant awareness of how one's race and gender are perceived by others, influencing personal and professional interactions and decisions.
• Dungy's approach contributes to literary innovation by blending personal narrative with broader social and environmental themes, offering new ways to engage with and understand the natural world through a more inclusive lens.
• Accurate and diverse representation in literature and media can foster empathy and understanding, helping to break down stereotypes and prejudices.

Spiritual, Emotional, and Community Aspects of Nature Connection

Beyond the practical and political concerns of land stewardship, Dungy explores the spiritual, emotional, and community dimensions of connecting with nature. Her garden becomes a place for finding solace, cultivating resilience, and nurturing a feeling of belonging.

Solace, Inspiration, and Resilience in Nature

Dungy's writing frequently revisits the solace and inspiration she finds in nature, particularly within her own garden. She describes the calming effect of the "lush greenery," the stabilizing power of spending time among greenery, and the delight she derives from witnessing their growth and resilience. Dungy recounts how gardening helped her navigate the anxieties and frustrations of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a sense of purpose and grounding during a time of global uncertainty. She finds strength in observing how plants adapt to challenging conditions, drawing parallels between their ability to withstand drought, heat, and frost and her determination to persevere through adversity.

Gardens and Landscapes Nourishing Dungy's Family

Dungy emphasizes how their gardening nourishes her loved ones, not just physically through the food it produces but also emotionally and spiritually. She describes sharing her garden with her daughter, Callie, teaching her to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature. Callie's active participation in the garden, from naming the rabbits to helping install a birdbath and bee hydration stations, encourages a feeling of wonder, connection, and responsibility toward nature. Dungy's husband, Ray, also finds solace and grounding in the garden, marveling at the intricate life cycles of plants. The outdoor space becomes a shared place for quiet contemplation, play, and connection, strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.

Context

• By interacting with various plants and animals in the garden, children learn about biodiversity and the importance of each species in an ecosystem. This knowledge can foster a sense of responsibility to protect natural habitats.
• Observing plant life cycles can be educational, offering insights into biology, ecology, and the interdependence of living organisms. This learning can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
• Throughout history, gardens have been spaces for reflection and meditation, from the Zen gardens of Japan to the monastic gardens of medieval Europe. These spaces are designed to foster peace and introspection.
• Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, which can lead to more positive interactions and stronger emotional connections within the family.

The Author's Belief in Transformative Non-human Relationships

Throughout Soil, Dungy advocates for a more inclusive understanding of community, encompassing not just human neighbors but also the nonhuman entities with which we cohabitate on Earth. She recognizes the agency of plants, animals, and even soil, challenging a hierarchical worldview that places people at the apex of creation. Dungy’s deliberate use of language, like referring to trees as “people,” reflects a deep respect for the inherent value of all living beings and a belief in the transformative power of interspecies relationships. Her attentiveness to the needs of her nonhuman neighbors, from providing water sources for bees and birds to leaving seeds and flowerheads for wildlife to enjoy, cultivates an ethic of reciprocity and care, a practice she extends to her human interactions too.

Context

• Some legal frameworks, such as those in Ecuador and New Zealand, have begun to recognize the rights of nature, granting legal personhood to rivers and forests, which reflects a shift towards more inclusive community definitions.
• Many Indigenous cultures have long recognized the agency of nonhuman entities, viewing them as active participants in the world with whom humans have reciprocal relationships.
• This is the belief that human beings are the most important entity in the universe. Dungy challenges this by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and suggesting that humans are not superior to other species.
• This language choice aligns with environmental ethics that advocate for the intrinsic value of all living beings, not just their utility to humans. It encourages a shift from exploitation to stewardship and care.
• Interspecies relationships highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems, where the survival and health of one species can significantly impact others, promoting biodiversity and resilience.
• Supporting wildlife through these practices can enhance climate resilience. Healthy ecosystems are better able to withstand and recover from environmental stresses, such as climate change and habitat destruction.

How the Writer's Garden United the Community

Dungy's yard becomes a point of connection with her neighbors, fostering a sense of community that transcends social and cultural differences. Through sharing plants, offering gardening advice, and engaging in collaborative projects, Dungy builds bridges with those who surround her.

Sharing Plants, Seeds, and Knowledge

The act of sharing plants, seeds, and knowledge becomes a central theme in Soil, highlighting the interconnectedness of the garden community. Dungy receives hollyhock seeds from a neighbor, transplants perennials from a friend's garden when they have to move, and distributes the leftover mulch from her prairie project to another neighbor for their rose bushes. These acts of reciprocity encourage feelings of shared ownership and cultivate a more diverse and resilient landscape. Additionally, Dungy engages in conversations about gardening with her neighbors, exchanging tips, offering advice, and celebrating successes. This shared passion for working with the land creates a common ground for building connections and creating a feeling of belonging.

Context

• The act of sharing fosters community bonds and cooperation. It encourages collaboration and mutual support, which can lead to stronger, more resilient communities.
• Historically, seed sharing has been crucial for agricultural development and food security, allowing communities to adapt to changing climates and environments.
• Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, often requiring less maintenance once established, making them a sustainable choice for gardeners.
• Mulch is used in gardening to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. It can be made from various organic materials, such as wood chips or straw, and is valuable for plant health.
• Neighbors can troubleshoot gardening challenges together, pooling their knowledge to find solutions to common issues like pest control or soil health.
• Sharing advice and tips can also involve passing down historical knowledge about heirloom plants or traditional gardening methods, preserving cultural heritage.

Gardens as Cross-Cultural Gathering Places

Dungy’s garden becomes a gathering place, not just for a multitude of nonhuman beings but also for a varied group of humans. Loved ones gather outside to admire blooming flowers, witness the abundance of wildlife, and share meals. Dungy highlights the ways in which gardening bridges cultural divides, recounting how loved ones and the local community, who have different backgrounds and experiences, connect through their shared love of working with the land. This vision of the garden being a cross-cultural gathering place challenges the exclusive narratives often associated with environmentalism, promoting a more inclusive and collaborative approach to cultivating a sustainable and just future.

Context

• Sharing meals in a garden setting can highlight the importance of food in cultural traditions, where ingredients might be sourced directly from the garden, emphasizing sustainability and local food practices.
• The act of gardening is a universal activity that transcends language barriers, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared tasks and goals.
• Throughout history, land has been a source of identity and livelihood for many cultures. Working the land can evoke a sense of belonging and continuity, bridging gaps between different cultural narratives and histories.
• Traditional environmentalism has often been critiqued for its focus on wilderness preservation and conservation efforts that prioritize untouched nature, sometimes excluding human communities, especially marginalized ones, from the narrative.