[20] Today’s prompt is In Context
Focus on everything surrounding a tree. Is it growing in a concrete jungle? A field? A forest? How does the tree contrast with the human-built environment? With the natural setting?

This towering cypress is a landmark at Crissy Field in San Francisco, grabbing attention with arching boughs and many spiking canopies. Although not native to this area (the species hails from Monterey) this tree has clearly been here a while and has had time to grow into a stellar and immense presence. Such a sentinel!

And…we park cars around it. Like horses under a tree, the cars cluster and huddle. It’s jarring to see such natural beauty surrounded by such human machinery.

What was wonderful was seeing people pass by and look up Up UP into the soaring branches. It feels good to know this wondertree is appreciated. The tallest presence close to the beach, I wonder if you can see this tree from across the Bay?

Featured tree: Monterey cypress ~ Hesperocyparis macrocarpa * Meet this tree.

Inspiration: Wander along with Amy Stewart as she shares how to walk in the woods.

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About the #ArborApril challenge

Join the month of drawing and journaling trees!

#ArborApril2025 is a combo challenge with #NatureJournalingApril, a month-long sketching & journaling challenge hosted by Cathy Raingarden, Kate Rutter, and the Wild Wonder Foundation. Each day in April, create a page in your sketchbook or nature journal based on the daily prompt from the prompt list. If you post on social media, use hashtags #ArborApril2025 and #NatureJournalingApril.

Posts & prompts will be on online at Instagram, Wonderland, Substack & Bluesky.