Submitted by Caira Flanagan on the 2024 Winter ENGL program in Netherlands…
After a rather tame first week, our group braced ourselves for snowy back-to-back trips to national parks. The Dutch national parks of Veluwezoom and De Hoge Veluwe stand as admirable showcases of biodiversity in the Netherlands. Veluwezoom is renowned for its diverse landscapes encompassing heathlands, forests, and wild fauna. Though not far, De Hoge Veluwe showcases expansive sand dunes, along with woodlands and heath. Although their landscapes and ecological significance are similar, the conservation and management strategies employed by these parks are strikingly different. We got the opportunity to learn about these unique differences and how climate change affects their decisions. Together, Veluwezoom and De Hoge Veluwe serve as shining examples of successful conservation efforts, demonstrating the significance of preserving these pristine natural areas for current and future generations to enjoy.(Submitted February 1, 2024)
