Plant Snap

Alright, so Plant Snap is an app that can be downloaded right onto your phone from the app store. Basically, it allows anyone to take a picture of any plant, and it instantly comes up with suggestions for the most likely options. This is incredible!!! I mean Wow, I've tested the app out on plants all over Arcata California, and it works. The picture has to be good, and the inflorescence generally has to be seen, but the app generally comes up with the right species every time. It is amazing that this technology exists right now. I talked with my friends about this app, and we realized that it is sort of like facial recognition for plants. It can analyze the features of a plant and determine exactly who it is. WOW! All of the old field guides are still very useful, but when I simply pull out my phone, take a picture, and a few seconds later have a result, it is hard to see the textbook form of keying out plants lasting much longer. 

     On one hand, I love that this app is available, because it opens up the world of plants to anyone. Someone who is curious about something has the answers at their fingertips. However, I feel worried that as technology like this becomes more and more common, our natural instincts and love for the environment around may diminish. I could be wrong, people could become more enthusiastic with all of this information and power at the tip of their fingertips. However, if history has taught me anything, it is that when things become easier to us, we often lose our energy and interest. I love plants and animals, and I am going to study them for the rest of my life. I hope that apps like these make it easier for everyone to understand their surroundings, but at the same time, I hope people continue to ask questions and think critically about the processes underlying all of the species' interactions.
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A night on the trail

I was feeling extra restless when spring break began. Most of my buddies had taken off on their own trips, but I was stuck in Arcata California. I run track and field, which meant I had to hang around in order to practice with my team. While I was mulling what to do with the few days I had before practice began, an idea popped into my head. I had heard of the Lost Coast before, but never truly entertained the idea of hiking it. However, I was feeling trapped and I knew I had to get out of this town, so I rapidly threw my gear in my backpack and started driving down the California coast. For everyone who doesn't know about the Lost Coast, it is a 70 mile ling trail that traverses some of the most pristine and remote beaches in North America. It is home to diverse plant species, birds, and mammals both marine and terrestrial. Without a doubt, it is one of the most well kept secrets the United States has to offer. While I made the drive towards Shelter Cove, the small town where the trail starts, I stopped for a long run through the redwood forest. The longest run I have ever done, 15 miles, were made easy by the gorgeous scenery of the coastal giants. I finally arrived at Shelter Cove, and I was blown away by the jaw dropping beauty of the area. I explored the town for a minute, but quickly parked my car and set out on the trail. Because I forgot to buy a parking permit, I wrote a very heartfelt message on a piece of notebook paper explaining how I had lost service and planned to pay for the spot upon my return (I still need to honor this). There was a few people on the beach when I began, but after 10 minutes of hiking, everyone was out of sight and I was alone. The keystone light that I had shoved into my pack was all I had to keep me company. However, I didn't need any, because the scenery I was subjected to was INCREDIBLE. I can't describe how picturesque everything turned out to be. The crystal blue skies, contrasting perfectly with the emerald green hillside. The crashing waves brought with them beautiful shells, urchins, crabs, and jellyfish. I found myself stopping every few steps to examine something I'd only read about in a zoology textbook. After a few hours of hiking, I set up my single person tent and brought out the beans and spinach I had planned to cook. However, stupid Ben forgot to pack a lighter when I was gathering everything. This meant that I was forced to eat cold, dry, and flavorless beans and spinach, and wash it down with yet another keystone light. I waited and watched the most surreal sunset fall over the horizon, and met a few other hikers passing by. In this moment, I was the most content and happy I have felt in a very long time. This trail makes me want to explore everything in this world, because you never know where beauty lies. When the sun was gone, I quickly fell asleep, and woke up to the same beautiful landscape. I explored, gathered shells, and hung out until I felt my time to leave had arrived. I trekked back to my ticketless car, and drove home. All the while, leaving my heart on that beach on the Lost Coast trail.
          For anyone in Northern California, I highly recommend this trail, it will not disappoint. Anyways, that is all.

-HeronBoy

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