For episode 86, I recorded with past guest Juan Flowers who is a big brother to many in the SoCal outdoor community including myself. Juan is a SoCal based trekker, backpacker, community leader, mental health advocate, certified California naturalist, and is the founder of Outdoor Adventures+ and the Urban Youth Nature Project.

Back in the beginning of March, we decided to do an impromptu recording literally right before hosting our final Nature’s Palette educational group hike in Vasquez Rocks which is located in Agua Dulce, California (just 45 minutes outside of LA). It is a high desert geological natural wonder where famous movies and TV show have been filmed such as Star Trek, The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Austin Powers and so much more.

We chatted about his evolution into becoming a certified California Naturalist, his motivation to deepen his understanding of the natural world, highlights from our Nature’s Palette educational trek series where we explored Point Dume, Vasquez Rocks, and the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area, and his desire to inspire inner city youth to connect with nature with his latest project. We also talked about how the Outdoor Adventures+ team has grown with new outdoor leads and members. The conversation emphasizes the importance of conservation, continuous learning, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.

This episode is part of the Trek Talks series where I record on trail conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It is more raw and candid perspective of our guest’s outdoor adventures as these conversations are more unscripted and in the moment.

Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps-_tc5rflQ

Follow Juan and his projects on https://www.instagram.com/__juanflowers__/

https://www.instagram.com/_outadvplus_

https://www.instagram.com/__uynproject__/

Listen to Juan's previous episode on https://tinyurl.com/5835cra8

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