The Foghorn staff
We’ve all probably seen something amazing in nature before, but most of us will never get to experience all the natural beauty the United States has to offer, let alone the world. So, in order to give everyone a little taste of the ecological diversity of this country on Earth Day, the Foghorn staff compiled this photo essay of some of our favorite nature snapshots with a focus on our hometowns.
In ‘The Bell Jar,’ Sylvia Plath aptly captured nature’s impact on us at the Foghorn with the words: “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery — air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’” If Plath is right and spending time in nature is what it means to be happy, we hope these scenes give you a taste of that happiness.
Location
Mt. Rainier, Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
Reflection
This photo is from a magical day when the sky was clear, the air was warm, and the snow was cold, and I was able to explore a part of the mountain that’s been home my entire life.
Location
Ile De Barataria, Jefferson Parish, LA
Reflection
I took this picture of an alligator about 20 minutes outside of New Orleans. There was something eerie, but strangely comforting about being in the swamp… I think my ancestors and Voodoo has something (or everything) to do with it.
Location
Waipio Valley, HI
Reflection
I took this photo on my most recent trip home. I was one of the few people who was lucky enough to grow up getting to see this view out of my living room window every day
Location
Lake 22, Granite Falls, WA
Reflection
This is from a summer hike over quarantine, during which I got to soak in the sun and the beauty of nature after so many months indoors.
Location
Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, CA
Reflection
Over winter break, I hiked to the top of the Hollywood Sign for the first time despite living near it all my life, and, even though it was hot and dry, the view of the city and the ocean was worth it.
Location
Turtle Creek, Dallas, TX
Reflection
I’ve been walking down to this tucked away creek in my neighborhood for as long as I can remember. I took this picture of my dog Mabel one weekend in January, before she left to frolic in the water while I sat by this tree to write and listen to the creek
Location
La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Reflection
La Jolla is known as “The jewel of San Diego,” and rightfully so. Spending the day down by the water, spotting sea creatures in the glittering tide pools never ceases to amaze me.
Location
McGovern Centennial Gardens, Houston, TX
Reflection
This photo was taken from “The Mount,” a thirty-foot lookout point situated in the Centennial Gardens. Its copious amounts of greenery and the view of the city skyline in the distance always whisks me away to a world of tranquility.
Location
San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA
Reflection
This photo was taken during a walk around my neighborhood. It was really nice to see all the flowers blooming and the birds chirping.
