We often hear stories and tidbits from the lives of our young nature adventurers while they are on our field trips to Ballona and Kenneth Hahn. Below is a poem written by long-time ace volunteer Joyce Karel about some of the secrets that have been shared with her.

These wetlands tours with students
Me telling stories of plants, birds, animals
Them telling stories of fears about snakes,
Sand in their shoes. Bugs that bite.

I love being with these children
As they change on these walks
Joyfully pointing out gopher holes, ladybugs, egrets
Rushing to show me shells
Shouting “Stop and look” to watch swallows darting after insects.

Trusting me to answer questions
Listen to their darker stories of being left at the zoo
Lost in department stores, separated from families
Not knowing how to ask for help
Stories their teachers might not know.

Now they’re glowing in delight
Seeing there’s a path to follow
Looking forward to what might be ahead
Thanking me for “making them love nature”.
Feeling safe enough to trust their own wings.

—By Joyce Karel

Published in Los Angeles Audubon’s Western Tanager July–August 2020 Vol. 86 No. 6