By: Audrey Baker
April 22, 2016 is the 46th Earth Day! To mark this moment we’ve asked our staff which environmental leaders, organizations and outdoor places inspire us to celebrate our earth. Below are some of our answers.
Shoshanna’s response: I’m very inspired by 15 year old Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh, a youth climate-activist who is taking on climate change issues through music and performance. I first saw Xiuhtezcatl perform at PowerShift in 2013, where he and his brother awed the audience with the climate-focused music. For me, this young-man is a representation of hope for the next generation. Not to mention, he is from my hometown, Boulder, CO. So we have a deep and an unspoken mountain connection.
Audrey’s response: I spent the summers of 2011-2014 in the Sierra Nevada’s at UC Berkeley’s Alumni Camp, the Lair of the Golden Bear. The camp is located in beautiful Pinecrest, California off of Highway 108 in Tuolumne County. The giant pine trees, fields of flowers, Tuolumne Creek, and Pinecrest Lake make for a beautiful and inspiring home away from home. Over the years I’ve noticed changes to the climate of Pinecrest. Several feet of snow used to collect in the winter and would fill up the creek for the summer. However, there is far less snow now, which means the creek has much less water, and is completely dried up by August. Pinecrest is my reminder about the drastic climate changes our earth is going through, and my inspiration to continue to work to preserve our planet.
Caitlin’s response: I live two blocks away from Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. During my frequent walks with Charles (my trusty canine sidekick) to the park, I’m astounded and inspired by the lush trees, grass and flowers. I’m reminded how lucky I am to live in a community that honors the earth and nature, and that I should not take it for granted. Visiting the park also reminds me of the importance of caring for nature so that future generations can enjoy the park the same way Charles and I do.
Photo Credit: Kial James Photography
Sarah’s response: I grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many of my childhood memories are of swimming and hiking at the Yuba River. It’s such a special place to enjoy the outdoors, from seeing wildflowers and wildlife in the Spring to spending the Summer months on warm rocks and in cold water.
Now, I’m inspired by the work of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. For 30 years, the Aquarium has worked to protect ocean life. Since the Aquarium opened, more than two million schoolchildren have visited for free! I’m grateful that the Aquarium is encouraging the next generation to care about our ocean’s well-being.