more on intrinsic value in nature

Holmes Rolston discusses intrinsic value in nature here.

Professor Rolston is perhaps better able to discuss this topic than most anyone. 

Gift of the Fallen Leaves

The great cycling of life and death
Green leaves translating the sun's energy
Now return to earth, some traveling
Downstream.

Colors that were always there, hidden
Behind the chlorophyll
Now unmasked, and short-lived
Pass before our eyes.

This message; what does it say to me
The need to wait for truth to unfold -
I am so impatient, waiting for justice,
Realizing it may not come today.

But I will stay and keep working at my small tasks
Hopeful that they will add to the total
I am not working in a vacuum
We all wait on justice.