California's magic unfolds as spring awakens Yosemite Valley. As snow-capped peaks begin to shed their winter coat, waterfalls roar to life, valleys become temporary lakes, and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues.
Yosemite National Park was one of the very first National Parks I had visited, and it's everlasting beauty played no small part in awakening my spirit of conservation. I hope that it inspires you to protect the rich diversity of this planet as well.
Yosemite National Park
CA USA
The Interconnected Planet
When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world
John Muir
Earth day is the one day of the year that the whole world pauses to think about the environment. But one day a year isn't enough, because protecting and preserving nature should be a lifelong guiding principle, and not of effort that is expended in just one single day. And because nature is so interconnected, it cannot be dependent just on actions that taken in a few locations. It should be the ethos for everyone.
For example, the California poppy is an ubiquitous flower, found in different parts of the west coast of North America in multiple different climates. A single flower from a single shoot, fragile though it may be, represents significant effort by the plant to propagate itself for future generations. And its success is dependent on so many interconnected factors: location, short-term weather and long-term climate trends, wildlife, pollinators and lastly, humanity. On a global scale, the human species has such a high impact and influence on nature, that the burden of preserving the delicate balance also falls on to us.
After all, the Earth is what we all have in common
Pinnacles National Park
CA USA
Happy Earth Day
The mountains are still there. The wild places still abound. Nature still exists.
And they'll be there when we return to seek solace in the wilderness.
But lets take a pledge to preserve where the wild places are. Because if not us, who else
Happy Earth Day
North Cascades National Park
WA USA
One for the Earth
No day passes without news about the endless reckless pillage of the resources of the single planet that currently sustains life. And while that wanton destruction can be gut-wrenchingly painful, I am glad that we have set aside areas for protecting for the future generation. It requires a foresight for selflessness that is hard to find in a society that values short term gains over long term prudence. Let Earth day be a reminder to appreciate this clairvoyance and sense of conservation.
After all, we have but one Earth. Lets take one for the planet. Donate to your favorite earth-friendly non-profit, volunteer with your local charities, or do one little act that will help preserve the delicate balance of nature.
Sabrina Lake Basin
Bishop CA