Santa Cruzin'

What a busy few weeks it has been! I’m finally feeling as though I am settled in here and things are picking up in the office. In addition to getting used to the rhythm of my work day, I’ve been going into Oakland for some workshops and taking some trips with the other interns.

A few Mondays ago, we took a trip into Santa Cruz to visit the LifeLab Educational Garden and help out at the Homeless Garden Project. Its so amazing that students are able to experience hands-on educational gardens and its so wonderful to see that there are people who work really hard to get students out and engaging with their environment. This garden was amazing. A huge avocado tree stood in its center, its branches mingling with smaller lemon trees to provide shade for the resident hens (for those who don’t know, hens are great for pest control in gardens and a tool to teach students about their roles in food production). We were able to shadow a fifth grade class that came out to learn about pollinators and it was great to see the impact that this kind of education has on developing students. The LifeLab is located on the UC Santa Cruz campus, which has a ton of agricultural space along with a nice view of the ocean when it isn’t foggy. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky that day and although it was quite hot, there was a constant cool breeze that made standing out in the sun pleasurable and refreshing. High temperatures, low humidity and cool breezes create an awesome environment for grapes and I’m definitely planning a trip back to try some of the wines Santa Cruz has to offer.

After a morning of touring the garden, we drove closer to the coast to visit a Homeless Garden Project and help out with any work that needed to be done. I have to say this was one of my favorite parts of the trip because this organization provides work for homeless families in the area as well as inviting a ton of volunteers to come out and maintain the small farm. All of the fields are turned, weeded and maintained by hand, which takes a lot of tedious work so after we snacked on some of their fresh strawberries, we got to work weeding a few rows of lettuce (by this time, I might add, I am extremely sun-burnt and will regret not putting sunscreen on earlier that day). It was great to see the impact that the farm had on creating a community where people can feel accepted, valued and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Our busy morning called for an afternoon of fun so we decided that cold beverages and a visit to the beach was necessary to round out our trip. I mean, as one of the most famous surf spots in the U.S, we couldn’t go to Santa Cruz and not stop by the beach! This beach trip was much more tolerable than the last, and I forced myself to wade in to feel the pacific wrap its penetrating waves around my feet. We decided to wander up the beach to a rocky slope, spotted with tide pools and native vines that lead up to some pretty amazing seaside homes.




California beaches are totally different from the Carolina coastline that I’m used to. The coastlines are intense, often jagged and sloped, waves forcing themselves over rocks and slamming onto the shore. The water penetrates your skin and sends you running for warm, dry sand. Carolina coastlines are often more calm and serene, the waves slowly lapping onto shore. The water is a bit warmer and the sand is so hot you have to sprint back to your towel. But there is something beautiful about both and lend you to appreciate what they can offer: West coast excitement and adventure; East coast rest and relaxation.

Intern Group relaxing after a long day of work!