Alexander von Humboldt, a Prussian naturalist, explored and described the world during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. His publications inspired various others like John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, and Charles Darwin. His notions on nature still shape the modern mind. He saw a nature, which was a unified whole. He was aware of the effects of humans on the environment, and the brutality of the economy which enslaved humans in the Americas.
Above all his ideas, the Humboldtian experience is one of melding art, poetry, and science. In his views, science should not rob the mind of imagination. In honor of this idea, Plant Research Organization is implementing a new format, which will pursue this method.
We will focus on the various forests found in Madison, WI. Our goal is to use Humboldt’s method of unifying science and art to give the urban mind a sense of wilderness. We will include poems, beautiful pictures, plant surveys and various plant spotlights. This will aid the visitor of these forests to encounter nature in a new insightful yet inspiring way.
Botany can be an inclusive study of plants, which is aided by art and word, rather than an exclusive study which delves into mysteries beyond the average mind. Both methods are necessary to advancing understanding. Yet, we find that science is becoming unpalatable and that the essence of its existence is eluding scientists themselves. We hope to bring inspiration to the public and scientists alike.
PRO - Plant Research Organization 