Sunday at South Mountain Park Volunteer Appreciation Day
Yá’át’ééh! Clay Begay here, Sierra Club Borderlands intern.
Sunday November 17th, I attended the Sierra Club’s yearly picnic event at the Big Ramada in South Mountain Park and Preserve, an area overlooking the city of Phoenix.
Sandy Bahr welcomed us as she set up lunch for the members returning from their
morning hike. Her warmth and hospitality were palpable, creating a welcoming atmosphere for
everyone. The lunch offerings–plates, cloth napkins, vegetarian/vegan tamales with chips and
salsa–were simple yet thoughtful, a reflection of the club’s commitment to sustainability and
Community.
Throughout the event, I connected with members from across the United States, all united
by a shared passion for protecting our environment. Several members were honored with awards for their valiant efforts in wildlife conservation. Our conversations reminded me of the Diné philosophy I grew up with to “walk in beauty with our surroundings.” It was heartening to meet so many people with this vision, working to safeguard the spaces and wildlife we all cherish.
As the afternoon wound down, it was time to head back. While the event was a refreshing
escape from my life in Tucson, I was eager to return to my studies. I carpooled with Cyndi Tuell
from the Nopales Group of the Grand Canyon Chapter of Sierra Club and Carolyn Campbell of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. The drive back was filled with laughter and rich conversation as we reminisced about our childhoods and reflected on life. Their company was uplifting, and our shared concerns about the political climate deepened the bond. Meeting Carolyn was particularly inspiring. Her passion for public transportation and her approach to savoring life as a college student left a lasting impression on me. She reminded me to embrace life’s joys, even amidst the demands of academia, coupled with notes of levity that she’ll be visiting me during graduation time to persuade me into politics.
As we drove into the Sonoran Desert, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The day
had been a blend of purpose, connection, and beauty–a reminder of the work we do and the
people who make it all worthwhile.
Clay Begay is the Sierra Club Borderlands intern.