Growing up on a small farm in Southwest Virginia gave me an appreciation for nature. I stayed outside a lot, exploring the forests and the higher regions of our property on Cleveland Mountain.
Even as a young child, I can remember the feelings of peace and fascination being in the woods provided for me. So itâs probably no surprise that protecting the environment and our public spaces has become important to me as an adult.
Itâs one reason I write these articles. Itâs also a reason Iâve been blogging on our local hiking trails for almost 15 years, while taking and sharing photographs of the wonderful places Iâm fortunate enough to visit.