Happy Earth Day, friends.

As I currently write this, the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and my feet are itching to get outside for a little stroll. While I try to appreciate nature and the outdoors on a daily basis, I find that I experience a swell of gratitude every April 22 for our fantastic globe. It’s also particularly easy on a day like today when the weather is close to perfect and everything is in bloom.

Over the past few weeks, my regular nature walks as well as some more intentional outdoor excursions have led me to grow in fascination with wildflowers. Really, blossoms of any kind have gently worked their way into my imagination. I regularly slow down, not just to smell the flowers, but to admire, touch, and try to identify them. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

In the next few weeks, you’ll be noting some special guest blogs from a variety of honorary Park Pilgrims. These individuals are from all over North America and represent a variety of nature-based appreciation. I hope to generate collective encouragement and inspiration during a time in which many of us are rather stationary and unable to get out into the outdoor places we know and love.

Stay tuned for some different voices who all share a love of natural spaces. Get ready to be inspired!