Chaparral Wisdom
To celebrate the magic and beauty of Nature & the chaparral
Wildness – A Crucible for Independence
Stay cool this week by relaxing with some enjoyable reading.
An interesting, new paper we just released examines the powerfully positive influence of wildness – being out in Nature for an extended period of time. It tells the story of three inspiring, independent spirits who refused to go along to get along, finding Nature as their ally.
You can download the paper here:
Iconoclastic thinkers in the mountains: How divergent spirits help us connect and preserve wildness in the eastern Peninsular Range of Southern California. Volcan Mountain Symposium. Importance and Conservation Status of the Eastern Peninsular Ranges.
Below are a few sections from the paper.
Looking south from Garnet Peak at the blue hour, along the Laguna Crest to Monument Peak, California. Photo by Alexander Kunz.
Reconnecting to Nature
Once one has been in nature three days or more… We begin to enjoy the flow of life as it is happening as Marshal South noted when he wrote, “Further, our “unnatural turning aside” has brought us peace and contentment. It has brought us to the state of consciousness where each day is a separate jewel to be lived and enjoyed for itself. Where each hour is a living thing, filled with the singing joy of fundamental life.” And we allow nature do what it does best, surprise.
Marshal South and his son, Rider at Yaquitepec, Ghost Mountain. Photo courtesy of Sunbelt Publications.
Mountain Sanctuary: Ruth Barry
“We took a hike in French Valley, I think it was in 1985, to the beautiful grassy meadow in the middle of the state park. It was filled with wildflowers. Tidy tips. Goldfields. Lilies. Everywhere! And my friends knew the names of every one of them. I began learning the names of the flowers too, after that hike. I just felt, and still do, that we have an obligation to know all the flora and fauna that surrounds us. Discovering each new living thing is like hidden pictures – you become familiar with what you expect, then you can see the different.”
Ruth Barry.
Revealing the Sphinx: Duncan McFetridge
The mountains provide Duncan an environment that continually inspires him, offering an uncluttered space to think, to feel. However, the child’s innocence required to see Nature, and the consciousness needed to embrace that innocence, are qualities Duncan brought to the mountain himself. “Childhood innocence, insight, truth, beauty, and goodness are self-generated,” Duncan said while looking through the large picture window above his library desk. The four old oaks were still holding council in the opening beyond. “These qualities are treasures on their own. The mountains, Nature, can lead adults back to them, but the darkness, the Sphinx, must be recognized and acknowledged before the spirit can be free. Before one can truly see.”
Duncan McFetridge in his library.
We’re so blessed Duncan is still with us! I saw my first California wild rose crawling over a granite boulder on a hike with him on his property circa 1990. I still tell people about it. And I’m still working in conservation because I hold the magic of the Southern Maritime Chapparal within me forever. Mary Renaker