Encounters With the Archdruid: Narratives About a Conservationist and Three of His Natural Enemies

The main figure in the book—the conservationist David Brower—is portrayed from the initial pages as an ardent defender of wilderness areas, seeing them as sacred spaces that should remain untouched by industrial activities. His connection with the wilderness conservation is almost spiritual: He often makes remarks about the aesthetic importance of the nature and speaks about nature not from the point of view of contemporary society but from a wider, long durée history perspective. This deeper link highlights Brower as the Archdruid of the Conservation Movement. Brower’s life’s work reflects a deep-seated belief in preserving the natural world for its intrinsic value and, only secondly, for future generations, as he argues several times during his discussions with his opponents: “We have to drop our standard of living, so that people a thousand years from now can have any standard of living at all” (21).

In stark contrast, geologist Charles Park embodies a pragmatic approach to the wilderness, centering humans and seeing Nature as a Resource. He argues that resource extraction, such as mining, is essential for societal progress and survival. In the discussions about the Glacier Peak Wilderness and the Kennecott Copper Corporation’s mining claims, Park insists that the most important thing is human prosperity, regardless of the impact on the wilderness: “You're going to have people, equipment, machinery. You're going to blast. You're going to have a waste dump. You're also going to get copper, which contributes to the national wealth and, I think, well-being. And all that can't possibly affect Glacier Peak” (39).

As the group hikes through the Cascade Range, the breathtaking beauty of the region serves as a backdrop for their debates. Brower’s argument hinges on the aesthetic and spiritual value of the untouched wilderness. He views the potential mining of copper in the area as a violation of this sacred space, a sentiment amplified by the pristine environment that surrounds them. Park, however, emphasizes the necessity of minerals like copper for maintaining modern living standards. He insists that mining can be conducted responsibly, minimizing environmental damage while fulfilling human needs. This ongoing tension between preserving natural beauty and harnessing natural resources is a central theme of McPhee’s account.

The narrative also presents, intertwined with the account of the journey the group undertakes on the Cascade Range, the personal histories and connections to nature that shape Brower’s and Park’s perspectives, showing how Personal Background Determines Ideological Position. As the group walks, Brower captures a monarch butterfly, which reminds him of his boyhood and his early experiences in the Berkeley Hills, where his fascination with butterflies and nature began. This personal anecdote underscores the emotional roots of Brower’s conservation ethos. His lifelong commitment to the conservationist movement and to nature in general comes from his early bond with the natural world and his dedication is not only a way of life but part of his personality. In contrast, while Park’s connection to nature is not depicted with the same emotional intensity, his perspective is informed by a professional and scientific understanding of the earth’s resources. His belief in the coexistence of mining and environmental preservation stems from a career dedicated to studying and managing natural resources. Park’s view represents a utilitarian approach to nature, where the emphasis is on balancing human needs with environmental care, rather than an intrinsic reverence for the wilderness.