Blog post about a hiking experience

An important part of environmentalism is developing a personal connection with that which you are trying to preserve. Vested personal interest can increase your motivation and optimism about finding solutions. California is home to abundant natural beauty, much of which is at our fingertips in the Los Angeles area. Your task for this assignment is to go out into nature, reflect on your experiences, and contemplate what is important about it to you, and why. a. Go on a walk in nature. This can be a day hike, backpacking, time spent in observation and meditation—whatever works for you at your level of comfort and physical ability. To qualify as “nature” for the purposes of this assignment, you must be in a state or national park, forest, preserve or a registered wilderness area. b. Describe and reflect on your experience. You can do this in a blog post or photo journal, writing, pictures, video, song, or however else you care to express yourself. In your reflection, go beyond mere documentation (“I hiked X, it was Y miles. It was sunny. Etc…”), and try to think about how it affects you emotionally or spiritually. Is what you saw important to you? Is it worth working to preserve? What aspects are more important than others? Why? What gives it value to you? c. Regardless of your chosen medium, at some point on your hike, take a selfie (just to prove you were there!)