As frightening winds blew through the heart of the Sky Islands yesterday, our neighbors in Los Angeles suffered through raging wildfires driven by similar angry winds. My heart is heavy knowing how much has been lost and how much lies ahead to rebuild and recover.
One of the fires burned through Topanga Canyon, a beautiful oak woodland mountainous neighborhood where I once lived that reminds me so much of our Sky Island forests. It too has coyotes, bobcats, and deer. It has people who love nature, and they are now homeless. As we all know too well, the health and wellbeing of our communities can shift in the blink of an eye. In a warmer and drier climate, this is our new reality.
Fires are a part of our story here on the land. Where the next spark will dramatically change our landscape, we do not know. But in the face of this most difficult challenge, I find hope in the human kindness and generosity that will help our neighbors rebuild, reforest, and protect the next neighborhood and habitat from a devastating fire. When it otherwise feels hopeless, it heals me the most to be a helper. So, my mantra for today that I share with you is: Let’s make something better in our community, lend a hand to others who are suffering, plunge our hands into the earth and help nature thrive, one square foot at a time.
Thank you to all the first responders and caretakers of the land affected by these fires. We see you and appreciate you.