Gavin McCracken, graphic artist

Almost everything seems to be owned nowadays. Whether it is private property, land owned by a company or even public land with restrictions, it sometimes feels like there is nowhere left to explore. This thought is especially frustrating to me because I enjoy metal detecting.

Before I can start detecting, I always have to figure out who owns the land and get permission to search. This can be really tedious, I have to go through a whole process just to make sure I am allowed to be there.

What’s more, kids nowadays are constantly told to go outside and get some fresh air instead of sitting inside all day. But I have to ask, how are these kids supposed to do that if almost all land is private property?

This is frustrating for people whose hobbies involve exploring. It almost feels like exploring has been defaced by the majority of the public. Someone who is exploring an old building might immediately be seen as a criminal instead of someone who is interested in the history of the place. Someone with a metal detector might be viewed as someone looking to steal things.

Exploring has not always been viewed this way. Throughout history, exploration was a way of life. People explored to find new resources, find places to live and make a fortune. Today, however, instead of being seen as curiosity or adventure, it can sometimes be viewed as dangerous or suspicious.

The history of land ownership in America shows how much our relationship with land has changed. Native American groups had their own ways of using and caring for land, including farming, hunting, fishing and gathering long before Europeans arrived. When they arrived, they brought different ideas about land ownership, property boundaries and permanent private ownership. Over time, more and more land became divided into property owned by individuals, companies or governments. While private property is important today, it shows how different our relationship with land has become.

People have the right to decide what happens on their own property. I would not want someone coming onto my property without permission, so I understand why people feel that way. However, there should be more opportunities for people to explore legally and safely. If there were more public spaces for people to explore, those people wouldn’t have to risk trespassing to enjoy their hobby.

I believe exploration is an important part of being human. Whether it is a kid walking through the park or a metal detectorist hoping to uncover a piece of history, exploring gives people a chance to interact with the world. I don’t think we should lose that because the world has become divided into privately owned spaces.

I am not saying that we should remove property rights or ignore rules, I am saying that we should find a better balance. People hold the right to protect their property while others are given opportunities to explore, learn and experience the world around them. Exploration does not have to mean trespassing. It can simply mean being curious. I think that is something worth protecting.