Nature is and has been part of my forever… My dad had us outside from as long as I can remember. Camping, hiking, collecting seeds, growing gardens, fishing – all of it. Simply reveling in the views, the smells and the flavors. This led me to recreational pursuits such as climbing and skiing. I’ve never felt the quiet and connection to the earth and my soul as I do when on a rock face, skiing down a mountain, walking through the woods, exploring a sandy beach or simply gardening. Nature matters to me because it provides me the sense of connection to something bigger than me. I know I am part of nature…caring for nature is imperative to my life – my child’s life and our collective future.