Write-in
Earth Day started as a bipartisan movement in support of the environment and was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. Can you imagine in our current political climate that the environment didn’t used to be considered a partisan issue, but instead an issue that affected all of us? People in the 70s were fed up with corporations polluting the air and water so they took a stand. The government passed the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, among many other pieces of legislation. The government acted proactively in the interest of the earth and the people that live on it, instead of in the interests of the corporations and political donors.
As the AP Environmental Science teacher, I spend a lot of my time being frustrated with the current state of things, but I also spend a lot of time outside, enjoying our beautiful planet. I believe that is important- get outside, go for a hike! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about climate change or wondering what you can do to make a difference. But, there are some easy changes you can make that can have a positive impact.
I’m going to let you in on a secret… all the things I do to help the planet also help save me money and help my body. I ride my bike to school everyday, which takes 10 minutes each way. In one week, I have exercised an extra 100 minutes and not burned any gas, a win for my wallet and my health. I also have started eating a mainly plant-based diet. I feel healthier than ever, and my grocery bills have gone down. I’ve also been trying to reduce my use of plastics and I’ve started refilling my shampoo and body wash at Beauty Heroes, which has a Refillery in the store. This saves me money, reduces waste and supports a local business.
This Earth Day, think about one thing that you can do that helps out Mother Earth and make a change!
A note from a nature lover
By Grace-May
I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a family that values time outdoors – my favorite childhood memories are those of hikes, camping trips, mountain bike rides, and summer swims. The abundance of public open space (18,400 acres) in Marin allows for endless exploration and appreciation of nature – enjoy it! If you’re unfamiliar with the outdoors, that’s okay – it is only a few steps away and you can start exploring any time. Nature is a healer: time spent there frees your mind, supplies you with rejuvenating fresh air, and allows you to exercise, all while being surrounded by beauty. Whether you need to decompress alone or debrief with your friends, Marin’s trails will supply you with the space you need. Below are some of my absolute favorite local trails; some swirl through redwoods, some pass by seasonal waterfalls, and others are Pacific Ocean-adjacent. I hope you check them out!
Tomales Point Trail (Moderate)
- Views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and massive wildflower blooms during the spring.
- Elk live alongside the trail.
- Distance from San Marin: 32 miles
- Hike distance: 9.5 miles
- Hike time: 3 hr 58 min
- Elevation gain: 1,200 ft
Dipsea (Hard)
- Each year, the Dipsea race occurs on this tall, the Dipsea is the oldest cross country race in the US, dating back to 1905.
- The hike includes three sets of stairs with a total of 600 steps.
- Distance from San Marin: 22 miles
- Hike distance: 97 miles
- Hike time: 5 hr 30 min
- Elevation gain: 2,742 ft
Bear Valley (Moderate)
- Visit the visitors center/museum at the trailhead.
- Hike out to cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Distance from San Marin: 18 miles
- Hike distance: 9 miles
- Hike time: 3 hr 19 min
- Elevation gain: 728 ft
China Camp (Moderate)
- Camping and San Pablo Bay kayaking activities are available.
- China Camp was the site of a Chinese shrimp fishing camp, dating back to the 1860s. There was a village there that inhabited over 500 Chinese people. The village began declining in 1882 after the Chinese Exclusion Act which resulted in restrictive laws aiming at the Chinese shrimpers.
- Distance from San Marin: 17 miles
- Hike distance: 4 miles (loop)
- Hike time: 1 hr 49 min
- Elevation gain: 646 ft
Indian Valley Campus Waterfall Trail (Moderate)
- The lake at the preserve is a great place for fishing.
- On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1p.m., finish your hike at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden for their fresh produce.
- Distance from San Marin: 3.8 miles
- Hike distance: 2.2 miles
- Hike time: 1 hr
- Elevation gain: 357 ft
Cataract Falls (Moderate)
- Cataract is the highest waterfall in Marin County at a height of 48 ft.
- Distance from San Marin: 26.4 miles
- Hike distance: 2.8 miles
- Hike time: 1 hr 55 min
- Elevation gain: 1,053 ft
Mt. Burdell (Moderate)
- Hike to find the hidden lake!
- At the mountain’s summit, there is a stone wall dating back to the 1870s. It was handled by Chinese laborers when the mountain was once a quarry. Stones were harvested from the land to build homes in San Francisco
- The mountain is used as grazing land for cows in springtime
- Distance from San Marin: 500 ft
- Hike distance: 5.3 miles (loop)
- Hike time: 2 hr 46 min
- Elevation gain: 1,190 ft
Rodeo Beach (Moderate)
- Hike passes Battery Townsley and includes historical views of WW11 bunkers and missiles
- Distance from San Marin: 20 miles
- Hike distance: 5.2 miles (loop)
- Hike time: 2 hr 36 min
- Elevation gain: 1,059 ft