Author Interview: Suzanne Simpson on finding nature in urban spaces
In our Summer 2024 issue, Book Recommendation Panelist, James P. Stancil, II, interviewed his friend, author Suzanne Simpson about her book, Wild Houston: Exploring the Amazing Nature in and around the Bayou City. (James’ questions are in bold and Suzanne’s responses are in italics.)
Wild Houston: Explore the Amazing Nature in and around the Bayou City, Suzanne Simpson and John Williams, Timber Press, 2023, 352 pages
Suzanne Simpson, aka WETLAND SUZANNE on social media, it's a pleasure to have you here, sharing your insights with the Nature Book Guide. Let’s dive right in. With your extensive knowledge in urban exploration and environmental conservation, we're excited to hear your thoughts on nature enthusiasts exploring metropolitan areas. What thrilling advice do you have for urban adventurers who are eager to discover and experience “nature” in a city?
Any urban explorer will be familiar with the standard browser searches and trip planning websites, but consider checking out iNaturalist before your visit to a city. You will get a "heat map" of where nature has been observed, and you can cater your criteria to find the critters you most want to see. For example, if I'm visiting Phoenix and want to see a rattlesnake (yep, I'm that person), iNaturalist observations would tell me to take my chances at South Mountain Park and Preserve or Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Guess I just planned a trip!
Phoenix, Arizona, get ready, HERE COMES WETLAND SUZANNE! Those are great tips, Suzanne. Thanks! I have another question for you: How can readers find their city's most vibrant and impactful nature-based organizations?
I always recommend connecting with your local land trust, which you can find on the Land Trust Alliance's website. These organizations are doing the boots-on-the-ground work of protecting habitat and building community. Beyond that, find your people by doing what you love. If it's mountain biking, head to the trail and volunteer for a work day; if it's birding or botany, connect with a nearby arboretum or sanctuary to get involved. You can find like-minded groups like Outdoor Afro or Latino Outdoors in many metropolitan areas. Local organizations thrive on connecting with passionate people like you.
Live oak trees on the Rice University campus in Houston
That’s very kind of you to say, Suzanne! I try to do my best to help get people outdoors with Outdoor Afro and my work with Nature by the Book for Intellect U Well, Inc. Speaking of educating folks about the outdoors, what were some of the first lessons you learned when exploring nature in our fine city of Houston? Is there a big difference from what you would see in more rural or remote locations?
City wildlife often exhibit behavior that deviates from their country cousins. For example, at the Waugh Bat Bridge in Houston, black-crowned night herons prey upon Mexican free-tailed bats that emerge each night from the bridge. If you explore heron's typical diets, bats are never listed on the menu. City nature, whether wildlife, plant, or fungi, thrive on the opportunism that can only be created by their unique built environment. Prepare to make a discovery.
Black Crowned Night Heron
That’s awesome, Suzanne. I hope some of our readers will take your advice and enjoy the opportunities to explore nature in their own cities, not just further away from the bright lights and skylines. On that note, is there a way nature lovers can find mass transit or multi-modal (train, bike, bus, trail, walk) connections to nature areas in their city?
Houston is famous for catering to cars, but even we have a Whistlestop Prairie Tour where you can view pocket prairies via our light rail system. Get familiar with the transit in your area and gauge your appetite for adventure before setting off. Always prepare with adequate food and water, even for an urban journey.
Wow, that Whistlestop Prairie Tour is new to me. I will need to try that out. Those are also good tips for exploring urban nature. I know you are very knowledgeable about various ecosystems, and we have a rather unique one in the Houston area. Have you found certain ecosystems (wetlands, forests, prairie, etc.) easier or harder to find in urban areas? Any tips for finding those hidden gems (like older cemeteries or some corporate parks)?
Coastal prairies are particularly difficult to happen across in urban areas because they require a careful disturbance regime (think: fire, grazing, mowing) to prevent encroachment from woody vegetation. And what takes the prairie's place isn't a vibrant, healthy forest; it's usually a monoculture of invasive species with little benefit to wildlife and people. To find hidden pockets of habitat, check out free resources like Google Earth or use the aerial imagery setting on Google Maps. Amazing places have been discovered just by zooming in and out on what others overlooked. The Deer Park Prairie, featured in Wild Houston, was found by a "prairie hunter" using aerial imagery.
Blooming in Houston’s Hermann Park
Deer Park Prairie? Yes! I remember that. One of many amazing finds in your book Wild Houston. Your book is a great resource for all of us Houstonians and, hopefully, an inspiration to others across the country and the world. Suzanne, you will forever be my hero for your work in this book. Have you encountered other ecosystem “heroes” who've saved portions of the city's natural ecosystem? What have you learned from them?
I have been inspired by so many individuals who advocate for our city's amazing nature. There has been a notable surge of Houston pride in our prairies and wetlands as residents better understand the important role they play in providing ecosystem services. Still, conservation can feel like a Sisyphean task at times, especially in a city not closely associated with green space. I stick to the Edward Abbey adage of being a "part-time crusader, half-hearted enthusiast" and centering joy as part of my outdoor advocacy.
I hear that, Suzanne. A wonderful outdoor advocate you are as well, and I am honored to call you my friend. Thank you so much for your time, and I will let you go because I know you must get back to work educating the public and helping to protect the natural treasures of our Houston region. Readers, if you haven’t yet, no matter where you are, check out Suzanne’s book Wild Houston. It was a labor of love for her, and I am very proud to have played even a small part in helping her create this incredible resource for all Houstonians.
Wetland pond in Houston’s Memorial Park