The soul is a region without definite boundaries:    it is not certain a prairie can exhaust it            or a range enclose it:                    — from "Terrain" by A.R. Ammons

Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments is a twice yearly online journal searching for that interface—the integration—among the built and natural environments, that might be called the soul of place.

It is not definitely about urban form, nor solely about natural landscapes. It is not precisely about human culture, nor necessarily about ecology. It is, rather, a celebration of the symbiosis between the built and natural environments where it exists, and an examination and discourse where it does not.

The literary, journalistic, and artistic works contained with Terrain.org are of the highest quality, submitted by a variety of contributors for a diverse audience, including some of the finest material previously appearing in Terra Nova: Nature & Culture. The works may be idealistic, technical, historical, philosophical, and more. Above all, they focus on the environments around us—the built and natural environments—that both affect and are affected by the human species.

Terrain.org strives to be both a resource and a pleasure, a compass and a shelter:

• Technical and journalistic works contained in the Articles, UnSprawl, Reviews, Interview, and perhaps even Columns sections are aimed at professionals and other interested individuals and groups. These contributions can help communities develop and redevelop in a more sustainable manner.
• Literary and artistic works contained in the Poetry, Essays, Fiction, Columns, and ARTerrain sections allow the reader to relax and enjoy the pieces for what they are. All work contained within Terrain.org is, of course, accessible to all interested audiences. While a case study may help a community planner in his or her job, it may also inform a banker, inspire a student, and educate a mechanic. While a poem may give joy to a teacher, it may also provide a brief sojourn for a scientist, give cause to reflect for a developer, and give hope to a housewife (or househusband).

The works contained within Terrain.org ultimately examine the physical realm around us, and how those environments influence us and each other physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The partnerships with Terra Nova, Ocotillo Design, Orion Grassroots Network, and others provide even greater depth and breadth among Terrain.org's online pages, offering further oasis in the desert among us.

So brew up a pot of cybertea, rest your feet upon that favorite desk, and enjoy....

For further information, view the following sections:

• About Our Editors, to learn more about Terrain.org's editors and our national editorial board
• Awards and Good Words about Terrain.org

You are always welcome to contact us.

ISSN 1932-9474