Student Perspectives: This blog series was written by San Francisco State University students for the Recreational Use of Parks and Protected Areas course. The goal of the blog assignment was to show how student support of redwood parks can create new ways to foster equal access to nature by diverse communities. For this assignment, each student visited a local redwood park and wrote about their experience. Enjoy!
Driving Through the Redwoods
What is home? For me, it is the redwoods. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or in my family’s case, driving, you just can’t beat the redwood forest. Not only are these trees beautiful beyond measure, but they are also a place of bonding and healing. Joaquin Miller Park and Redwood Regional Park have always been my family’s favorite places, and I will always think of them as places of comfort and sanctuary.
The amazing thing about the redwoods is it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time seeing them or your hundredth, you’ll always be amazed by these giant, peaceful creatures and discover something new. Being able to grow up with these trees, I can’t imagine not having them, and I believe it’s extremely important for everyone to experience the feeling of looking up at these massive trees and just feel awe.
So many people think that redwoods are hard to get to or that only those with money can go see them, but I want people to know as long as you and your family can find a bus stop, you too can see them. Transportation or distance shouldn’t stop you from expanding your mind, and that’s why these parks are so important because they are so close and accessible. Everyone deserves the chance to go new places and see the beauty of the Earth, so increasing public transportation and making areas like these available to everyone not just certain people is a must.
Not everyone enjoys riding through the redwoods as I do, but just walking through these trees and experiencing their quiet wonder will get a person hooked. Nature should not be a luxury, it is food for the soul and helps remind us we are part of an amazing planet, something everyone needs to be reminded of. Its beauty gives people hope. Seeing something so simple as a redwood tree can hold such majesty and let us know even our small dreams can grow big.
So go get your family, your friends, even your dog! Go experience the magic of the redwood forest and never let the simple joys in life pass you by!
