Across America, species are disappearing. Estuaries and wetlands are disappearing; forests are disappearing or are being given up to mining, logging and oil; grasslands are being developed; and with this loss of habitat, species are disappearing. The food chain is being altered, and all of this is being done in the name of development and progress.

The world’s ecosystems are fragile. Each development in our wild areas needs to undergo strict evaluation to determine if it will harm or interfere with the native environment. But try as we might, the best solution is not always the one selected.

Progress is great. We all want to move ahead, but we cannot do it at the risk of losing the flora and fauna that surround us and keep this planet healthy. Instead of concentrating on saving species, we should not let it get to that point in the first place. I fear that soon it will be man versus nature … who will survive? And yet, without both, neither will survive.

Condor (all endangered species shown are native to the Santa Clarita Valley)

This problem is not only apparent in the United States, but is evident worldwide. In South America, the last stand of trees for nesting El Oro parakeets is in danger of being cut down. Jaguars, which were hunted into extinction in the United States, are making a last stand in Mexico.

Locally, we have dozens of endangered species like the willow fly catcher, the western pond turtle and the condor, to name just a few. Habitat is being threatened by potential mining in the area, as well as pollution and development that continues to infringe on habitat.

We need to have a happy medium of growth and native habitat, and we, as human beings, need to be held responsible. In our vast and complex universe, we have yet to find another planet blessed with the abundance of life we have on Earth. We need to take care of and support this delicate balance, or we will all be in trouble.

Two-stripe garter snake

Nature needs a chance to heal. Every organism on Earth requires clean air, clean water, food and energy. Every creature deserves to live and function in our ecosystem. When things start going wrong, who will be able to stop it? Who will take the blame?

Before it is too late, we need to protect open space, and once it is protected, we need to treat it with respect. Don’t litter, don’t trample it, don’t let your kids take snakes, frogs and other small creatures home. Don’t pick wildflowers. We need the seeds in our open spaces for next year. If everyone picked the flowers, we’d have nothing but non-native, invasive weeds growing and a huge loss of native habitat. The animals that lived in that environment would leave.

Spotted owl

Be wise. Teach your children respect and discipline. Teach them about our ecosystems and the importance of the circle of life. Don’t trash the environment. If you carry it in, carry it out. Don’t leave anything behind.

Did you know that shards of glass and lead bullets that are left behind can kill condors? If there were no people around, condors would still rule the Earth and would range from Canada to Mexico, from New York to California. Their territory now is from Baja to California, from the coast to Arizona. Period. And they are still gravely endangered. Human activity is the only cause of their demise.

Maybe you like to go out shooting, perhaps target practice. How many times have you plinked cans and bottles? Did you pick up the glass shards or leave them there? Did you pick up the bullet casings or leave them behind? We have about 20 condors that fly over and visit the mountains and forest that abut Santa Clarita. Condors are attracted to shiny bits of glass the way little kids are attracted to glitter. This micro-trash kills our condors. The Community Hiking Club has picked up more than 5,000 pounds of glass shards left behind by people who shoot bottles and people who drink in our open spaces and toss the bottles, leaving them behind.

How many of you have inadvertently killed a condor this way? Now there’s a sobering thought. You may have been responsible for hastening the demise of an entire species.

Southwestern willow fly catcher

Everything you do either contributes to a healthy environment, or the devastation of the environment. Plastic is a huge problem. Drive along the freeway to see huge amounts of trash blowing in the breeze. Take a hike and see discarded plastic bottles and wrappers along a trail in what should be the most pristine of environments. If you’ve seen this, did you pick it up or let it sit there? Next time, pick it up.

This is your Earth, your California, your Santa Clarita. How do you want to live? Do you want to raise your children in a world with knee-high trash, or in a clean environment where you can breathe without a mask or respirator? The ultimate decision is up to you. A clean environment begins with just one person picking up his or her own trash.

Spread the word. Teach your kids. If you’re hiking or riding bikes with a friend, bring your empty water bottles home. Don’t toss them when you’re through with them. Don’t clean your car out by tossing used cups and fast-food bags out of the car while you’re driving. Take them home and put them into your trash can. Recycle what you can. Responsibility of one’s own actions and respect for each other and the land will take you, your country and your environment a long way.

Southwestern pond turtle

If you think I’m exaggerating, take a look at other countries that have no respect for the land. I’ve visited many of these places. I’ve seen knee-high trash in cities, waterways that are clogged with trash, and people and animals suffering as a result. In California, I’ve seen people throwing dirty diapers into our rivers. I wonder if they know they drink the water from the same river?

The consequences are real. Only you hold the key to our ultimate survival as a species.

Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel is executive director of the Community Hiking Club and president of the Santa Clara River Watershed Conservancy. Contact Dianne through communityhikingclub.org or at zuliebear@aol.com.

Least Bell’s Vireo

Horned toad

Arroyo toad