It’s here we’ll meet Elder Bill Jones and an intersectional movement making a last stand in defence of the ancient forests and watersheds, of which 1% is left but is still being cut. We’ll encounter Big Lonely Doug, a 1000-year-old Douglas Fir whose personhood has been recognized by activists and enthusiasts, if not by the law. Big Doug is lonely because he was once among thousands, and now only a few remain. With the aid of arborists, we’ll climb into the canopy to comprehend both the     devastation and magnificence around us, as well as our roles and agency going forward.

Next we hike through the verdant forests and rugged beaches of the west coast, punctuated by suspension bridges high above creeks spawning salmon, and camp on sand next to the waves under star studded skies. The trail is an ideal place to reflect on all that we have seen and experienced, and to live in community and practice foundational leadership in gratitude and reciprocity to one another and the land. Each of us will develop a  practice that goes beyond the wilderness mantra of Leave No Trace to instead leave traces of care.