We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. (Contributed)

Once upon a time when our area was under water

there were no parks or trails or trees or gardens.

I’m thankful that our mountains rose from an ancient ocean

so we could enjoy this beautiful place we call home. 

I’m thankful for the Big-Leaf maples

that shower me with leaves as big as saucers

as I walk in Henry Cowell along the river trail

and for the giant redwoods that sprouted long ago 

at the time of the Mayan civilization.  

I’m thankful for the Five-fingered ferns that grow lush along 

the lower parts of Fall Creek 

and for the canyons, hiking trails and small waterfalls

that feed the year-round creek.

I’m thankful for the Covered Bridge in Felton,

for the violinist who serenades us as walk over the river

for the sound of children laughing as they play in the park

and the gentle horses who live at the equestrian center.

I’m thankful for all our other parks like Garrahan and Junction Park in Boulder Creek,

Highlands Park in Ben Lomond, and Sky Park, Lodato, MacDorsa, Siltanen

and Hocus Pocus in Scotts Valley.

I’m thankful for the western turtles who live at the Quail Hollow pond

and for the unique sand hills, grasslands, wildflowers, oaks, redwoods

and for the unique plants, birds and other small creatures that live only there.

I’m thankful for Bonny Doon where you can see both the Pacific Ocean 

and the San Lorenzo and Scotts Valleys

for the resilience of the people recovering after the fire 

on the mountain made of sandstone and shale.

I’m thankful that Big Basin State Park, where redwood sorrel, violets and mountain iris

once covered the slopes and lush canyons and is recovering 

as are the salamanders, banana slugs, marbled murrelets

and red-legged frogs who make it their home.

I’m thankful for the whisper of the wind blowing across the water at Loch Lomond

And for the gentle whir of fishing reels, the inlets accessible by quiet boats and trails 

where you can enjoy the tanoak, redwood and madrone.

And finally, I’m thankful for friends and family and neighbors who share all this with me. 

There’s always something to be grateful for. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. 


Jan Nelson, a landscape designer and California-certified nursery professional, will answer questions about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Email her at ja******@ao*.com, or visit jannelsonlandscapedesign.com.

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