Know Where You Are

“If you don't know where you're from, you'll have a hard time saying where you're going.” - Wendell Berry

The place we grew up, the place we live now, the places we visit, all shape us into who we are. We are deeply influenced by the cities and neighborhoods we live in, and also by the time we spend in the natural world far away from everyday life.

But we forget that nature is all around us right where we live.

Rivers run under streets in pipes; migratory birds use urban trees as a stopping ground on their great journeys. Our gardens provide haven for native insects, if we allow them in. There is profound potential to help nature flourish in our home places and for us to learn to be a part of nature.

At the same time, we’re all overwhelmed by the stories of ecological collapse we find in the news. There’s no question that the current level of consumption and excess in city life is a major driver of issues like climate change biodiversity loss, flooding, and poor air quality.

It’s time for a change.

I believe that each of us has a unique creative capacity to be the change we want to see in the world. This site is all about tapping into the creative spark that’s inside us all. We will explore together the many ways that people have conceptualized the idea of nature throughout time and around the world. We'll share inspiring stories of how to bring nature into the places where you live and work and to notice the nature that’s already there. We'll review articles and research to get clear on the science, explore ideas from proven nature-based solutions from cities around the world, reflect on questions about environmental justice and equity, and engage in rituals and practices designed to help you know your own land in a deeper way.

Follow along on this journey with me and let’s reimagine ourselves as part of the nature around us.