I could get used to being an I-naturalist!
I joined 2 days ago. I've always been a lover of nature, even close to home. I was fortunate to grow-up on the American River in Sacramento. I spent a lot of time exploring with my dog as a kid. Also loved/love gardening. I came to appreciate the smallest things.
Right now I'm 3 months past having a liver transplant. Before and after, I couldn't do much but I had my diverse little garden, gone wild. The natives we've planted are doing well with neglect and I'm fortunate get up close to things that I can't yet get to in the wild since I can't drive, can't yet go hiking.
But I'm now able to walk and use my bicycle. I can get to places in the neighborhood that we've found over the years were remnants of wild California are hanging on.
The large field on Piner Rd in Santa Rose is home to endangered vernal pools and plants. My husband and I monitored the vernal pools for several years for the Laguna Foundation. Last year this field lost 1/3 to senior housing- good for seniors (like myself), bad for native species.
So now I have another way to turn my hobby into something useful like the rest of you.
Thank you, Joe Balestreri
