From boardwalks of rocks and warm sand coating my skin

I am from the sound of crashing waves, the scent of sunscreen

From forever wonder of sea creatures, so fascinating I could scream

I am from seaweed and driftwood, seaglass and coral

From lessons taught by my family, a respectful moral

From surfing longboards and diving down deep

From swim races with siblings and splashing my feet

I am from the happy yelps from children and music so loud

From blue water hugging my body, so safe and so sound

I am from fish and birds, turtles and whales, intriguing creatures who came from the sea

The summer sun and winter clouds, no matter the season, you know where i’d be

I am from hangouts with friends down at the beach

Ponto and Moonlight and Tamarack and Swami’s

From the burn of the sun on my skin and eyes

And watching blue ripples that go on for miles

 From the foggy mornings that sprinkle on you, to the gust of wind that greet you every morning. 

From waking up to the sky still dark outside. I am from the stars I fall asleep under every night. I am from the touch of rain as it trickles down my face or the sounds of a morning dove as their calls whisper into my ear.

I am from the palm trees and eucalyptus that surround my home, bushes covered in leaves with the citrus of a lemon on them, and a laugh from a crow in the distance. 

From the way of life, my mom taught me, how to give thanks to our mother Earth. And from the boomfires to sunsets we’d watch as a family. 

I am from the lands of Mexico in Michoacan which flourishes in its nature somewhere where my ancestors once lived the Mexicas.

I am from the wild hawks that would sit on the telephone wires as they gazed down upon me. From the June bugs that appeared only during summer, and the birds that made up the morning sky with their calls. From the winds that would hit the northwest sent a chilly feeling to those who met it. I am from the waves as they crash into sand or rocks, And the season of autumn leaves falling from the trees, the foggy mornings to the rainy nights. 

I am from the mountains covered in forest, the rivers that run through the land of San Diego. From the sky that changes every second of the day to that water in the ocean that never stops moving, from the rocks that go as far back as the beginning of the earth. I am from the art that is nature as it helps me to grow.  

I am from the grand and tall trees that turn the dirt around to mush with it’s roots. The refreshing shade to shield me from the break of the sun. The wet grass. Wouldn’t want to slip up and fall in that. 

I am from the isolated silence as I view my home from the great hill. It’s so small. I realise that what we build is entirely thanks to mother nature and it’s resources that we’ve learned to harness. Everything we see and build on was thanks to a random rock formation millions of years ago.

I am from the smell of the dirt when I run through the soggy mud with my dog. The wet morning grass caking onto my tiny Adidas Sambas, so long ago. 

I am from the nostalgic cry of the mourning dove while I pretend to survive on a stranded island with my neighbor outside. I feel the breezy winds hitting my face and everything around me sways, leaves falling from the branches. The dew drips. 

The pointiness of the tequila-like bush as I try to fashion a rope with the leaves. Wind howls in my ears. I have to go back home as a result and so does my neighbor. 

I look out from the window and wish to go outside again, to smell the leaves of the big trees outside, to embrace nature’s wind, feel my skin develop goosebumps and have my ears turn cold.

I am from the rainy days, the sunny days, the windy days, the muddy days, the cold days, the hot days, the gloomy days, I am a person living in Nature’s world.

I am from the river of Coloma and its amazing fresh and cold water. The rocks all around me as I raft through with my family and my cousins, floating along and trying to steer with my dad. We can’t beat the river! Earlier I’d fell off the raft trying to board it. The river kept on flowing, flowing, flowing. 

I am from playing Red Dead Redemption and seeing the nature of real life being reflected in it’s many environments, wanting to go and explore the Colorado mountains and everything that the game takes inspiration from in real life. How I felt inspired seeing the grand mountains of highways in Hawaii.

I am from the inspiration to appreciate the beauty of life, from the spectacle of nature that we are so lucky to experience and live in.

From the sky that always seems to be sorta loud.

I am from the giant tree that was in my front yard, to when they burned it down to the scars.

I am from the wings of a butterfly flapping its wings to big speed.

From my grandpa, who flapped his wings to be free.

And from those walks, under the golden sunset, the sound of music in my ears feeling at ease.

I am from the rain. My most favorite part of my day. The touch of water falling onto my hand.

From the sound of those drops. Splashing all over my window. The sound of the breeze as if whistling to me. The touch of the breeze as if guiding me.

I am from the top of Double Peak Park I am the view from there at night. 

From the sky, moon, sun, water, red roses, white lilies, sand, and grass.

I am ice. Ice is strange, because it slowly gets destroyed by what it is made from.

I am from a golden sunset and the sun shining down.

From the snow to the heat, from the rain to the sun

I am from the raccoons in the tree, the birds in the nest, the fish in the ocean

I am from my backyard, where the oak and pine tree live, hundreds of miles apart

From my grandfather and me, sitting  on the porch listening to birds

I am from camping, climbing, hiking

I am from coyotes, raccoons, deer, the california poppies, the eucalyptus trees, even the cougar next door

From the ocean waves, bees buzzing, birds calling, the soft rustling branches. 

I am from the blizzarding winters to the scorching summers, the rainy fall to the sunny spring

I am from the Julian camps, the Joshua trees, the park by my house, the Bryce canyon snow, the Red Rock rocks

From the trees, the river, the trail, the snowfall

I am from, most importantly, the community

The community of the living world

From the night sky full of stars glimmering in the night.

I am from parks full of children's laughter, alive with nature and beauty,

I am from ocean waves, cloudy days and clear skies, 

From summer camps,

And from hiking through forests and climbing up mountains, from swimming in the sea and dancing in the rain, having no care in the world

I am from butterflies and deer, from rabbits and squirrels,

From the chirping of birds to the crunching of leaves, making a symphony of sounds.

I am from peace and happiness, to laughter with a friend,

And snowy mountains with glistening snowflakes, each unique and individual, flowing in the wind.

I am from the ocean and forests,

From storms to rainbows, alive and beautiful, the light after a dark tunnel.

I am from admiring the beauty of nature around me, from the biggest mountain to a blade of grass.

I am from the wet winters where it rained instead of snowed. I am from the music that was hidden in the rain in which I danced to. I am from the drenched clothes and the wet socks. I am from the sound of the water hitting the ground. I am from the house in which I ran out of to see the clouds crying. I am from the cold nights and the mist the morning after. I am from the pitter patter of the rain drops that danced with the earth.

I am from the little black dots and the red round body. I am from the summers searching for Ladybugs because I was always my family’s June Bug. I am from the winter's where in the morning you saw your breath. From the magical couple months where it required a jacket. I am from the foggy drive to school and the freezing nights in which you needed two blankets. I am from looking where I am going before I step on a bee. I am from the time I forgot to and needed a dried tapaco to retrieved the stinger. From the one good memory with my uncle.

I am from the beach where I spent my summer days and I am from the patio where I spent cold winter nights. I am from the water and the sky. I am from the sky that has given me so many beautiful sights. I am from the joy that the world has given me and the grief it has shared with me. I am from the earth which takes care of me. I am from the milky way with so many stars which I have spent hours looking at. I am from the universe where there is endless possibilities.

From hiking at state parks, exploring creeks and cliffs, towering trees and great wood rats nests.

I am from the short scraggly  oak trees whose leaves coat the ground and whose roots can’t hold water when it rains and rushes to their trunk making them top heavy as they free fall to the earth.

I am from the smell of fall, of petrichor and foliage, of the crisp, cool air that sends you gifts of rain.

From my father, my mother and friends who taught me to linger in spaces, to watch for the crawling beetles and listen to the birds to open my eyes to the secrets the floor may hold.

And from hiking to seasonal waterfalls at  my dads work and swimming in the shallow pools.

I am from mountain lions who walk past your house when your asleep, cause it’s their world and your just living in it.

From the sound of bird song every morning like clockwork, every morning a symphony fueled by daylight that dispels the quiet sussex onset by night.

I am from looking up at the sky and seeing how many stars there are and being encompassed  in the feeling of everything.

I am from thunder shaking the dry summer air with promise of rain accompanied  by the feeling of change.

I am from towering sequoias that are remnants of a time when ankylosaurus walked the earth shaking the ground with its mighty steps.

 From the Missouri trees and sky which never fade like ours but shift with with the seasons awash with vivid greens and greys.

I a from a need to explore, to leave no stone unturned and no knee unscraped to always pursue the secrets of the world around me.

I am from the oceans sands and rocks the palm trees in front of the in n out surrounded by the smell of burgers or the ones by the beach I am from my dad who taught me how to grow in his own way whether it was plants or life and I am from the time swimming whether in the pool or beach. I am from the fish birds like hawks and trout i've seen or the small little ants even the little mites.

I am from the waves crashing and the salty smell or the wind howling up high you could say it's singing I am from the plants i've grown and killed and the cold winter or the hot summers or even rainy days. I am from the torrey pines park from the ocean crashing into the rocks the slippery gravel I walk across or the sand and the sun slipping through the trees I am from the trails that trained me for the path ahead.

I am from snowboarding and the cool snow, but I am also from playing soccer with my dad on the hot beach. I am from patches ironed onto bags, and telling everyone what you did over break when you went to another national park. I am from long car rides, and getting out to take photos in front of national park signs every single time we pass one.

I am wind on the mountains on a hot afternoon. I am the wavy roads as you drive up mountains. I am from sunflowers, and there vibrant yellow colour, and sunflower seeds, as you spit them out on the sides of the trail you walk on. I am the buzzing of a bee, I am from early winter mornings, and rainy days. I am also from bright summer mornings. I am from cacti and when I fell in one. I am from when me, my dad, and siblings drove illegally onto the goonies house property and how I thought I was gonna get investigated by the cops. 

I am from hawaii and tropic places, and from big cities. I am from LA and california, and the beaches there. I am from water and snow, and the feeling of it touching your skin. I am from everywhere I have been and everywhere I will go.

From Salt Lake City, icicles and piles of snow

I am from freezing cold winters, and morning dew 

I am from tall pinewood trees that I get to see change constantly

From my mom, dad, and most of all sister who loved going into nature with me

And from skiing and snowboarding every day we were able to 

I am from mountain lions and lizards in the summer, to moose and owls in the winter

From the sounds of trees moving in the wind and snow falling

I am from the feeling of speeding down hills and admiring the view after a finished hike

And the extreme heat during the summers that slowly fade into freezing winters

I am from Deer Valley and park city 

From hills with blooming flowers that change into unimaginable amounts of snow

I am from loving nature and always surrounding myself with it in some way

I am from the winds that are blowing, while tow trucks are towing, cars that were rolling. From a older brother to another, to show the weather, and feathers. And from going to path to path, class to class

I am from the bears the roam the land. From the chirps of the birds to the people saying words. I am from the piece of being with nature. And from summer to winter i will always enjoy

I am from the woods that animals roam. From the nice skies, and waves of goodbyes. I am from the Happiness that nature brings us.

I am from California, where Condors soar through the sky, and Rattlesnakes slither across the ground. Birds chirp through morning, and coyotes howl through the night. Otters sitting on the shore, and dolphins gliding through the ocean.

I am from California, where the trails are vast. The smell of anise floods your nose so fast. The sun’s glint off the ocean shining in your eyes. The trees cast shadows during the dawn of the night. Breeze rolling down from the mountains landing right on your face. 

I am from California, where possibilities are endless.  From the Pacific Ocean to the Imperial Dunes. From Death Valley to Palm Springs, from Yosemite to The Redwood forest. I am from California.

From grassy parks and Discovery Lake,

Anywhere from High Tech to my own home,

I hear the call for adventure.

I am from rocks and trees,

The types you'd find hiking around here,

From my family, community, and culture,

From the outdoors, which the opportunities are wide open.

From birds, coyotes, and others alike,

The sound of fresh nature still has delight.

From the lessons of biodiversity and safari adventuring views,

I find my place in this cool diverse world.

I am from nature and the city ways,

That shape my path that I follow today,

From San Marcos to California beaches,

The plants and animals, guide my way,

The sun on my back, and the sky shining bright, 

I’m from here, in nature's beautiful delight.

After you complete the template on paper (or on slide 2 if you are absent), put your poem sections together here.,

I am from the pine trees, the sea, the waves, the faded sunsets, the sunrises, and the palm trees that shape California. From Big Sur, to Moonlight Beach, La Jolla shores, Philadelphia winters, the autumn leaves, and California poppies. I am from the ocean's tides, the salty air of California, the blond streaked hair the sun gifted to me, the beams of the sun above, volleyball at the park, and the fresh morning air that wafts through my window. 

I am from tiger lilies, The unique patterns of seashells, willow trees that sway in the wind, waterfalls sprouting from the hillside, and strong rip currents that try to take you away. From my mom, My dad, my best friend, All the friends who tried to weaken me, my friends who make me stronger. And from The smell of the Del Mar fair, the summer breeze through my hair as I surf, the speckles of sand imbedded into my skin After a long day at the beach, Night swimming in the ocean, watching the sun set below the sea, and cotton candy ice cream at the beach.

I am From the harsh breeze in Carmel that cuts your face with wind, The crunch of autumn leaves under my feet, the crisp clash of the waves, the slight rustle of grass at the park, The sound of fresh running water on the hillside, The crash of acorns falling from the trees above, The bees humming the song of spring. And summer the season that held the sun high above the horizon, and fall, the season that turns the air frigid and paints the leaves' colors.

I am from the freeing mountain ridges of Big Sur, The humid air of Connecticut, Santa Cruz redwoods that tower over everything but themselves. From the meadows filled with colorful flowers, the leopard-spotted stingrays, the Heterochromia cats and dogs, The desert blooms in Anza Borrego, The teal waves that crash on the shore, The calming desert sunsets, the natural vitamin D that beams down from the sky, The rocks on cliff sides that hold stories of the past. 

I am from the freeness nature provides without any cost.

From Encinitas,shells,flowers, and sand., mountains and different places when traveling 

I am from San marcos mountains  ,Encinitas beaches and sand,dirt,ocean waves crashing.wind going by, Julian   pumpkin pie in the fall and winter then to big bear in a cabin to spend time with family. 

I am from lilies,tadpoles, frost trees, traveling,trips to different places. 

From my family,sisters, boyfriend,and friends.godmother who have taught me love,respect and kindness, trust. Showing me what right and wrong in our world. To my godmother's house spending time with her and her husband having birthday dinners with her to going to church the next day. 

I am from mourning doves when i wake up in the morning, to beautiful sunsets and birds going by ,in the evening to cricket,grasshoppers at night.,butterflies flying by in the mornings. Spiders at night cyhotoys near the basketball court. Hearing the cyohotoys and crickets chirping at night `fall asleep to the sound. From going to Julian getting pie and spending time with family. 

I Am from Encinitas beaches over summer and winter, double peak mountain in San Marcos.,Uncle house in Escondido and my nana's house in Oceanside. 

From the most sunny days in spring to rainy days to winter to hot days in summer 

I'm from San Marcos to having a good days and bad days to having rain to sun how it makes me happy to be here today in our community and with my family. 

I am from white snow blankets, Silent flakes fall from the sky above, footprints left behind upon fresh white ground, & children bundled up in coats so warm, build snowmen amidst this frozen charm. Winter nights adorned by starry skies bright  glimmers of hope that pierce the darkest of nights.

I am from fluffy chickens greet the morning light. Their feathers soft, their clucks so sweet. Besides them roam loyal dogs at play, boundless energy in each wag & sway. With tails held high & eyes aglow, they teach me love’s purest flow.

I am from mud, mud-caked hands telling stories untold of growth & resilience that never grows old. Raindrops, worms, broken sticks so slight; puddles dancing under skies above. An ode to resilience & boundless love 

I am from bushes and cacti, from my parents who took me to hike and explore, and from the rough rocks and hiking trails that we went to hike.

I am from lizards and birds from the chirps i've heard i am from peace and quiet and rain an fog. The trees and logs and the slippery rocks.

I am from the duck pond and calavera hills  from the creeks we've seen and the rough terrain we've tread, i am from the adventure and peace nature gives.

From sunsets, days in the pool, playing on a field

I am from Moonlight Beach, my backyard, Carmel, Coronado

I am from Cactus’, Palm trees, Segos, Fig trees

From Mom, dad, brother, Grandma, Abuelito who taught me to appreciate nature and help everything grow and thrive, reminding me to water the plants and it all being worth it in the end when I experience a baby plant become fully matured and give fruits or flowers like a reward

And from s’mores and projector movies outside, days and hours spent in the water, either in day time or at night, goofing around with my family and friends, even walking in the rain feeling the pat pat of sprinkles and drops, smelling the fresh air from the rain, it’s like it opens your senses and you feel like your true free self, racing leafs and wood chips in the chocolate river going down the hill, being careful not to step on any snail or worm that’ll gross me out

I am from mysterious blue birds, red robins, crows, eagles and lizards, bunnies, coyotes, garden snakes

From the tweeting of birds barking of dogs and yelping of coyotes, caulking of crows and rustling in bushes

I am from defrosting in the sun rays, being aware of the lizards, relaxing on the grass or pool, taking a walk around just breathing in the sweet sensation of freedom and beauty

And the crunching of snow under my feet in winter time, the rays of sun shining down on us and the splashing in the water in summer time, stomping on crunchy leaves in fall because it is so super satisfying, the fear of lizards chasing me in spring but the beauty of plants being brighter and all the species happier

I am from Mauna Loa hiking trail, natural water slides, 5K marathon feeling the breeze in your face, San Francisco, Carmel, Moonlight beach

From the fiery sunsets, bright puffy clouds, glistening water, rocks with funny faces

I am from feeling aweenspired, amazed, feeling so small in a world so big

From skis in the powder and being on the chairlift, looking for a route down.

I am From the meadows up the road and the river down it.

Which smells of upturned pine needle dirt, and freshwater.

I am from the coastal sage scrub, and oak trees.

From the stories of hiking my parents told me and the inspirational people in my naturalist college class.

I am from adventuring the outdoors with Ethan, seeing how far we could go

And from dark, early winter mornings, when I surfed before school in the freezing water.

I am from the bears and deer of the Sierras,

From the early morning bird calls waking me to the day.

I am from the fear of losing what I love most.

And seeing the lack of snow that I valued so.

I am from Donner Summit and Desolation Wilderness,  and the memories which came with.

From the water running over mossy banks of dirt and stone

I am from the knowledge and joy of nature passing through our generations.

From my old broken boogie board I used a lot. 

 I am from spending most of my summers at moonlight beach

From hearing the waves crash, and tasting the salty water after 

getting wiped out by a wave.

I am from the big tree that’s in front of my house I climbed a million times 

as a kid and my mom telling me to get off..

From my mom who taught me to value nature by singing me songs as a baby 

and my dad taking my family to hike on trails all the time.

I am from lizards I would catch and try to tame and then release

From the bird calls that would always wake me up in the early morning

I am from feeling calm in nature and feeling fulfilled from being around nature

And going up to Julian and spending hours playing in the snow and being 

With my family.

I am from moonlight beach and the countless fails of surfing

From the cumulus clouds I would guess what they looked like with my sisters

I am from how nature helps me be calmer and happier when I'm around nature

and being able to experience a feeling where I can’t get it anywhere else

I am from always being eager to explore nature and being gone for hours

with my friends, going over fences, bushes, watching sunsets and walking,

thoroughly enjoying the sights and sounds of the nature around me.

From the smooth, crisp, vibrant green grass on the futbol pitch

I am from P mountains

I am from fern trees and lots of grass

From my dad introducing me to the sport I love and my mom helping me work for it

And from futbol and swimming

I am from blue jays 

From the beautiful and peaceful songs of the birds in the trees and the kids playing in the streets

I am from happiness and competitiveness 

I am from the court next to my house in Pennsylvania and every futbol field I see

From the hot sun and the cool snow

I am from gratefulness and peace

From the paths that lead me to victory or the rocks I would carefully choose to nurture as a child.

I am from the green bushes that lead me to school each day, from the breezeing cars that swarm the streets each morning

I am from the tall tree that stretches every morning to greet the sun 

From a family that depends on natures gifts of plants and herbs for family foods

And from a group of kids who rely on natures trails to achieve new records and make new goals

I am from the guinea pig who was family near and dear till the very end, and the laughing chimps who mean no harm and want to make friends 

From the rustling leaves and sprinting breeze, the cold wind that hits your face each morning or the bold rays of sun peaking through the school windows

From the warm summer nights filed with wildlife, and the damp smell of fresh grass.

I am from the discovery lake where my teammates chase their dreams, and its tiny creatures that creep through its park.

From the golden hour that reflects its warmth outside my balcony, slowly giving its last goodbyes for the day

I am from the vibrant colors you see outside in nature each day. The green fields of grass, the copper leaves diving to the floor this month, and the yellow petals from the flowers you encounter at school and home.

From mossy rocks in a creekbed staying in place while the moss overgrows

I am from a pine tree scent in the air with rows and rows of trees in the big bear forest and the morning doves making their lovely sounds

I am from oak trees that run through creeks beyond the small little critters that live in the nature places of this world

From my family and friends who brought me upon fun nature trips and adventures of long and short trips through nature

And from the lakes and oceans that have shaped my love for the nature that we are so lucky to have

I am from the garden spiders and ladybugs that have shaped my perception of nature and curiosity of life

From the songs of the birds, the ripples of the water droplets in the rain

I am from falling off trees and climbing back up to explore up in the leafs of nature

And the rainy seasons where I bike ride to this creek and find nature like how it finds me

I am from hiking trail that follows the creek that I love

From the beautiful flowers, trees, insects that appear on the side of the trail

I will be following this trail to the end of my journey throughout nature in my life

From Palomar mountain, to la Jolla beach, and discovery creek. 

I am from the birds that tweet outside my window, the colorful playgrounds near my street, and the cricket’s chirps that keep me from sleep. 

I am from the trees that keep my shade, the leaves that crunch in autumn, and the pebbles that I kick on the road. 

From my 2 younger brothers, dad, mom, grandma, grandpa, and all my friends.

And from bicycling on trails, flying high on dirt jumps, and playing sports on the court. 

I am from big and tiny spiders, birds that stare at me from the trees, and lizards that pop out from who knows where. 

From the gust of winds howling in my ears, leaves rustling, and the waves crashing against the shore. 

I am from the peacefulness of nature and the bonfire smores. 

And freezing days, the long scorching days, and the wonderful rainy days. 

I am from Bradley park, the las Posas pool, the mountain bike trails, and Miramar lake. 

From calm streams, icy waterfalls, and luminous stars. 

I am from the jovial way nature makes me feel and the tranquil forest that keep me calm. 

And the Canadian Freezes

I am from hiking up mountains 

And walking around fountains

I am from the days I go hiking with my Mom

On the horizon, the morning sun sits upon

As I hike up Black Mountain and feel the cold air

Whilst my heart starts to care

I from the birds I see that fly high in the sky

I feel It’s too early to say good-bye

From the heat of summer to the chills of winter 

Both give me a scene that looks like a filter

I am from the walks around Grape Day Park

Where I see the sun erase the dark

Where nature yearns to grow by our side

All the way from the forest to the tide