This past Saturday, a group of Earth Team interns from San Leandro High School stepped away from their screens, laced up their shoes, and took a walk—one that was more than just a hike. It was a journey into nature, a moment to breathe in fresh air, and an opportunity to see their local environment with new eyes.
Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline greeted them with open arms, offering winding trails, sweeping views of the Bay Area, and the kind of quiet that can only be found in nature. With each step, interns observed the land beneath their feet and the sky stretching endlessly above them. Birds soared overhead, the water shimmered in the distance, and the cool breeze carried the scent of salt and earth.
But this wasn’t just about enjoying the scenery—it was about paying attention. As part of their experience, interns took to nature journaling, capturing their surroundings in words and sketches. They noted the rustling of leaves, the calls of distant birds, and the subtle shifts in the landscape. This practice encouraged them to slow down, to be fully present, and to deepen their connection with the world around them.
The Beauty of Slowing Down
In a world where notifications constantly pull at our attention and schedules are packed with obligations, it’s easy to forget how healing it can be to simply take a walk. The hike at Oyster Bay was an opportunity for the interns to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one.
Nature has a way of reminding us to move at its pace—steady, unhurried, and intentional. As the interns walked the trails, they took in the small details: the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, the way the breeze carried the scent of eucalyptus, and the way the shoreline seemed to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
For many of the students, this was their first time truly noticing these elements of their local environment. Some had visited Oyster Bay before but had never stopped to observe its details. Others were surprised by how much life existed in a place they had previously overlooked. The simple act of journaling made them more mindful, encouraging them to look closer, listen more carefully, and appreciate the subtle beauty of the world around them.
A Moment to Reflect
Nature journaling wasn’t just about documenting what they saw—it was about how they felt in the moment. Writing and sketching helped interns express their thoughts and observations in a way that deepened their personal connection to the experience.
Some wrote about the peacefulness they felt as they sat by the water, watching ripples spread across the surface. Others sketched the birds they spotted—some familiar, some new to them—learning to recognize the patterns in their flight or the colors of their feathers. A few interns reflected on how rare it is to simply be still, to listen to the natural world without distraction.
As they filled the pages of their journals, they weren’t just recording what was around them—they were engaging with it, learning from it, and allowing themselves to be a part of it.
Carrying the Experience Forward
As the hike came to an end and the interns made their way back, their journals were filled with words, sketches, and reflections. But more importantly, they carried something intangible yet powerful: a renewed appreciation for the natural spaces in their own backyard.
The Oyster Bay hike was more than just a morning outdoors—it was a reminder that nature is always there, waiting to be noticed. It showed the interns that they don’t have to travel far to find beauty, peace, and inspiration. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside with an open mind and a willingness to explore.
