Imagine yourself walking down a tight canyon of rich orange sandstone, the elevated spots are loosely adorned with the blue green of Single Leaf Pinyon. The map you in your hand says you are in the San Emigdio Mtns, approaching Burges canyon. The Chumash people who come to visit this place and who call this whole region their home call …

In the desert, water is felt deeply. It is celebrated. A small and rare desert spring nourishes countless plants and animals. Tracks mingle near the source: pack rat, deer, quail, snake, hawk, coyote, mountain lion, bear, human. Rain is precious, and we feel it coming, our bodies responding to even slight changes in moisture and scent. Our average of seven …