Dogs Can’t Plant Trees
I've surrendered many adventures to rain this year and am happy to do it. But I was thrilled that the showers waited until after Saturday's volunteer planting event with the Putah Creek Council (PCC). What a great day!
Three big takeaways:
People involved in stewardship are cool. That's a generalization I'll stand behind because I've been so impressed with the staff and volunteers I've encountered in my short history of helping. Lynn at Point Reyes National Seashore Association, Juliana, Martha, and their crew at Yolo Basin, and now Rachel and Nicolle at PCC. Wow. The kind, helpful, and appreciative character is better than a maple donut.
Volunteering produces warm fuzzy feelings. Helping at an environmental non-profit is a curated experience. I get that. Although our team of 15 volunteers did substantial work, I felt like I was playing. Still, I left strongly connected to the little sprouts I lowered into the dirt and our effect on a small but essential stipe of earth. And I got a lot of exercises! Combined with my new friends, no wonder I couldn't stop smiling.
There's always something to discover. But wait, there's more. I learned a ton. How to handle the plant babies and to give them the best chance to grow. And why coyote brush and acorn trees will help the Lake Solano Campground recover from a massive fire in 2020.
Unfortunately, it was a dog-free event, so Gypsy had to stay in Sacramento. But we'll be back to check on my coyote brush saplings. We'll stay at this campground about 35 miles into our walk to Point Reyes this May!
About this Illustration
I have a strong preference for clean design, much like most designers. It's quite common for clients to ask me to create something similar to Apple's design.
However, hand-drawn illustrations have the potential to make a statement in contrast to software-based graphic design and illustration. They bring an authentic, humorous, personal, and trustworthy tone that is often missing in stock photos and videos.
Are you using illustrations to reinforce your messaging? Consider it for:
Describing a process
Mapping a location with important highlights
Adding visuals to testimonials
Explaining how to use your product
Boosting social media posts