Explore Landscapes #13

During my photography journey over the past 30+ years, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many trips to the national and state parks in a number of different countries. those trips, I developed a huge respect and love for the outdoors. That respect and love grow every time I get off the grid and back to nature.

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on many aspects of people’s lives. Due to the lockdown and the necessary restrictions on air travel, the ‘great outdoors’ saw an unprecedented number of visitors. Unfortunately, while providing a much-needed release from the frustrations of lockdown, there was also a significant environmental impact on these locations. Plants were trampled, trees uprooted, rock formations vandalized, and trash and human waste were spread over public land areas.

These were just the impacts that I personally observed during 2021.

During the last year, I’ve felt the increasing need to give back to the outdoors. These natural ‘wild’ spaces have given me incredible joy, peace, and tranquility and allowed me to hone (or at least practice) my landscape photography skills.

As 2021 came to an end, I decided it was time to give back to nature. I wanted to add my voice and energy to promoting the well-being and appropriate stewardship of the natural world.

Desert Institute

In late 2021, I attended two Desert Institute one-day geology field classes in or near Joshua Tree National Park (which were excellent). The Desert Institute is part of the Joshua Tree National Park Association, a private, non-profit Cooperating Association working in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park to help in its achievement of programming goals in education, interpretation, scientific and historical research, and activities.

I was so impressed with the classes and the volunteers who supported the classes that I decided to become a volunteer. The Desert Institute volunteers attend each of the classes to support the instructor and ensure the welfare of the class attendees.

The Desert Institute runs a wide breadth of field classes on nature, photography, geology, culture, and the arts. Please go take a look at their list of classes … I’m sure you’ll find something of interest.

Last weekend I volunteered for two classes: Advanced Bird Banding (which was fascinating for me even as a non-birder) and Night Photography at Keys Ranch (an amazing collection of ranch buildings, vehicles, and a whole bunch of other collected paraphernalia). Attendees learned manual shooting techniques, light painting, shooting nighttime images, and more.

If you’d like to support the Joshua Tree National Park Association's important work, please consider becoming a member. Membership for individuals is just $25 a year and includes many benefits, including a 10% discount on purchases made in the Joshua Tree National Park stores (or online) plus $10 off any of the Desert Institute classes.

Nature First

In the summer of 2021, I volunteered as a Nature First ambassador to actively promote responsible nature and landscape photography throughout my network and during the photography workshops I run in Joshua Tree National Park.

In January this year, I took on the additional role of Technology Coordinator, supporting all aspects of implementing, administering, and improving the technology platforms that the Nature First staff and volunteers use to support our mission and services.

I encourage all nature, wildlife, and landscape photographers to read about Nature First, join (it’s free), and actively adopt the following Nature First principles:

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.

2. Educate yourself about the places you visit.

3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.

4. Use discretion if sharing locations.

5. Know and follow rules and regulations.

6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.

7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles.

Join the Nature First alliance of responsible nature photographers. You can make a difference.

Wilderness First Aid

I completed a weekend Wilderness First Aid course organized by REI and NOLS to support my volunteer application and better prepare myself when leading my own workshops.

For anyone who regularly ventures into the wilderness with family, friends, or groups, I highly recommend signing up for a WFA course.

The mix of classroom-style teaching with practical, hands-on first-aid scenario training was excellent. I feel much better prepared to venture out into the wilderness.

Give Back to Nature!

I’d urge anyone who spends time in the outdoors to ask themselves how they can give back to nature - not just ‘take photos’ while out in the natural world.

Until next time, explore, experience, and enjoy our wildlands responsibly. Think before you geotag. Adopt the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and practice Responsible Nature Photography.

Bye for now,
Jon