Wilderness inspires occasions to unleash our artistic expression.

 

"Experiencing wilderness rejuvenates our souls, sharpens our senses, and inspires occasions to unleash our artistic expression."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument 

Photos: (Top) Desert Varnish decorating a canyon wall; Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument, UT; May 26, 2014; (Bottom) 500-600 year-old Douglas-Fir; Bryce Canyon National Park, UT; May 24, 2014

We are inspired to imitate the beauty we meet in the wilderness.

"Beauty inspires us on a visceral level.  We meet it in natural environments and imitate what moves us."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument

Photos: (Top) "The Sinking Ship," with the Pink Cliffs in the background; Bryce Canyon National Park, UT; May 24, 2014;  (Bottom) Pale Evening-Primrose blooms, with Desert Varnish-streaked cliffs in the background; Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument, UT; May 26, 2014

Wilderness sharpens our perspective, helping us remember who we are.

"When immersed in the perspective-sharpening power of wilderness, we remember who we are and reflect upon how we fit into the natural world."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument 

Photo: My sister-in-law hiking toward the Wall of Windows; Bryce Canyon National Park, UT; May 24, 2014

In the wilderness, we feel whole and alive.

 

"[In the wilderness] we feel whole and alive when we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves physically, enjoy self-motivated exploration and discovery, and create our own adventure stories."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument

Photo: Sunset in Escalante country; Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument, UT; May 25, 2014

Centuries of civilization have not tamed the wildness within our hearts.

 

"Centuries of civilization have not tamed the wildness within our hearts, which still resonate profoundly when in nature."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument

Photo: Common Globemallow, Escalante River Canyon, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument, UT; May 24, 2014.  There were hundreds of bees humming in the midst of these flowers, a hopeful sign in an age when bee populations are declining rapidly.

Wilferness is a Refuge for the Human Spirit

 

"Wilderness is a refuge for the human spirit.  The mosaic of experiences within wilderness inspires our creativity, capability, spirituality, and ultimately - longevity."

Shannon Holt,
Ranger, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument

Photo: Lava boulder and Calf Creek Falls, Escalante - Grand Staircase National Monument, UT; May 26, 2014