Rhonda Riley’s Story

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” John Muir

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi
 
With that being said….

     Our family enjoys rambling through the waters and woods. Anything outdoors.

     While talking with a neighbor about possibly hiking Bankhead, she shared with me about a podcast she enjoyed listening to. It was Anne Markham Bailey’s amazing podcast on Present Tense Media ‘The Fight for Alabama’s Last Wild Places.” 
     Listening to Anne's interviews with the people that fought to protect and save the forest, gave me a deep admiration and appreciation for their courage to action.
     Our neighbor and hiking buddy, Vince Meleski shared with us maps, photos, videos and books on Bankhead and Sipsey and the Wild Alabama website.
     I emailed Janice about the Forest Bathing opportunity guided by her and Anne Bailey.  Forest Bathing is a pull on your soul to get you to the peace and calm found in nature. Since then, I look forward to Wild Alabama monthly opportunities to get back into the wild places with the hiking community.
John(my husband), children J. And Grace and myself love to go to Bankhead Sipsey Wilderness and explore the beauty and dynamic diversity of the forest.
     As a family, we feel the importance to give back and give forward.
The courageous fight that saved wild places now calls us to “keep it” for generations to come to enjoy and learn about nature.
     Wild Alabama’s mission is to inspire people to enjoy, value, and protect the wild places of Alabama. The mission aligns with our family goals of “giving back and forward”.
     Wild Alabama offers so many ways to get involved and support wild places. WA board, staff and volunteers do an excellent job promoting, educating, stewarding and loving the dynamic diversity of wild places.