In Northern California, a scenic drive know as the Avenue of the Giants, had me celebrating Earth Day early this year. April 22, 2014, marks a 44-year history of Earth Day. Although, it started as a movement for a healthy sustainable environment, this year I chose to celebrate by paying my respects to some of earth’s oldest living elders.
I drove the 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 with awe and wonder. The Avenue of the Giants is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park which includes the largest remaining stand of virgin coast redwood groves in the world. It was a spiritual experience walking beneath and among the largest contiguous old-growth forest. This unique ancient ecosystem provided a quiet and peaceful backdrop to trees that are over 900 years old. I felt so young and insignificant against such magnificent grandeur.
With that much age and stature I marveled at what changes these trees must have witnessed over the years. And if given a chance, what sage wisdom could they share about keeping our environment healthy. I prayed that these wondrous giants would have the strength to continue living with us, to ensure that their cycle of life never expires.
Life here on earth is rare and complex. This Earth Day, I invite everyone to pause and think about ways to ensure that our future generations will continue to celebrate with these and other natural living elders.