History

By Linda Corey and Chris Khoury, Exploring Our Sense of Place Founders and Advisors.

When the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy embarked on its first Exploring Our Sense of Place series in 2007, we had no idea what the response would be or if it would continue. At the end of the first year, Chris Khoury and I knew we were on to something.

The first group of interpid explorers told us "Keep it going." "Let's plan a reunion this fall," "I know so much more about the valley, the birds, the flowers, the trees, the animals, the geology." "The quiet time was so important to me." "How lovely to abandon phone and computer and just enjoy nature."

The Conservancy's Exploring Our Sense of Place outdoor seminar series is designed to give participants a crest-to-coast, mind and heart, close and personal experience with the San Dieguito River Valley. Based on a model described by Karen Harwell and Johanna Reynolds in their book Exploring A Sense of Place, the series takes 25 committed Conservancy explorers on seven monthly Saturday excursions.

Each Saturday focuses on a particular region and nature topic within the San Dieguito River Park. Having fun and learning are only some of the purposes. Each session, we set aside time to spend alone and quiet, sensing the beauty and power of this special place we call "home." We want to strengthen our connection to nature and deepen our appreciate for the beauty and diversity of the San Dieguito River Valley.