What we’re about
This group is for folks who appreciate the natural world and who want to experience it with other nature lovers.
Some natural areas are nearby (Bolsa Chica Wetlands, San Gabriel or Santa Monica Mountains, etc.) and some are a few hours away by car. We’ll do last-minute, spontaneous local nature hikes, as well as organize longer trips (Mojave Preserve, Lone Pine, etc.).
What this group is NOT for: Hunting, fishing, dirt biking, off-roading or any other activities that harm or take from nature.
I started this group because I want to enjoy the natural world with people like me, who want to be very gentle and reverent towards the environment, who want to sit quietly and absorb its beauty, or who want to enjoy the sheer wonder and awe that can really only be found in the natural world. I want to enjoy nature without loud radios, littering, defacing, or taking animals or plants from the environment. For folks looking to engage with nature that way, there must be other groups for that which you would enjoy more. This group is for those who have a more gentle approach to nature, or at least who are willing to maintain this approach during activities with this group.
This also isn’t a hard core hiking group. We might end up doing some longer or more challenging hikes, but the focus here is on appreciation, and experiencing the natural world. Members also need to have a commitment to not littering, at the very least, not during our activities.
I’m local to Long Beach; however folks from surrounding areas are very welcome too!
We hope you’ll join us and come enjoy the wonder and awe of the natural world with us!
If you do choose to join us, you agree to abide by the rules of the group, and you are aware that not following these rules may result in your being asked to leave the activity/group:
1. No hate speech, no discrimination, harassment, inflammatory statements, prejudicial speech or actions against “other” groups of people. No sexual harassment, no unwanted contact. In general it’s best to avoid discussions of inflammatory topics. There are other groups for those things; we are here to be peaceful and enjoy nature together.
2. Please: STAY ON TRAIL at all times. There are many reasons for this, involving the safety of group members, wildlife and other people. This goes for hiking trails “out in nature” as well as staying on any walking paths that are near roads and/or bicycle paths.
3. Each participant is responsible for their own self, including their conduct, safety, health, well being, actions, choices and everything else. I am not a professional hike leader, not a wilderness expert, nor a medical professional. Please know your own fitness levels and physical capacity, and do not attempt any physical exertion that’s beyond your capacity.
4. Recommended to always bring food, water, sunscreen, shade hats, (sometimes) hiking poles, good sturdy comfortable walking shoes, cell phone/extra battery, and whatever else you need to be safe, comfortable and not injured.
5. Please STAY HOME if you are not well, for your safety and others’ safety.
6. No approaching wildlife or contact with wildlife, for the safety of the human and the nonhuman creature.
7. Carpools are encouraged (especially if people live near each other and/or there’s limited parking at trail heads). This is at the participant’s own decision/risk: I suggest considering getting to know someone first and then consider carpooling.
8. No littering! No picking flowers or taking any piece of a plant or other artifact. “Leave No Trace.”
9. Suggested to self check for ticks afterwards if hiking near grass/vegetation; be aware that some sites we go to may have poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, hidden holes/places to twist ankles, and other hazards. Each person is responsible for their own safety!
