I’m long overdue for revisiting work I never shared especially essays that pay homage to efforts by fellow nature nerds. Volunteering at state parks got me through COVID and the early years of single motherhood. My mom introduced me to the magic of weekly restoration work when I was a kid at which point I realized just how much I love being around retired science teachers. Asilomar State Beach is one of the more incredible parks I’ve had the pleasure to live near and I hope to continue adding to this gallery as a tribute. For now, this offers a glimpse into mornings spent clearing invasives and prepping seedlings for transplant.