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!
What Have You Heard Today?
by Bethany Gregonis
When was the last time you stood still and didn’t hear voices, traffic, or the bustle of everyday life? I bet you’re now thinking that there isn’t any place close enough to us in San Francisco where this would even be possible. That’s why I’m here to tell you that there are options close by!
Look around at the lush ferns and vegetation just off the trail, and notice how far you have to stretch your neck to look up towards the redwoods. At this point, the city sounds you’re used to are now gone, but there is still a lot to listen to from the rustling of bushes from small critters, to the conversations between birds near and far, to the groan of trees moving against one another in the wind. You can hear and feel the earth crunch beneath your feet. And if you pass by a tree with a dark, hollow base, you can reflect on how strong the tree has been, surviving many years and through some sort of fire or burn.
At Samuel P. Taylor, you can let your inner adventurer free in the redwoods and listen to the natural world we don’t get to appreciate every day. No matter what your reason for visiting, the park will leave an everlasting impression on you, reminding you to be strong, stand tall, and continue thriving.
