Returning to Proctor Valley: Embracing stillness in early summer

As early summer begins to unfold, we return to the Proctor Valley Natural Resource Area—a place we last walked in the quiet weeks before spring’s arrival.

Now, after recent rains, the land feels reborn. The trails are lush with green, and the air carries the grounding scent of eucalyptus and sage.

This walk invites us to notice the shifts—what has grown, what has faded, what is quietly thriving beneath our feet and within ourselves.

This valley, a vital wildlife corridor stretching from the Otay Mountains to San Diego Bay, is more than a path through nature—it is home to rare and resilient beings: the Otay tarplant, the arroyo toad, the California gnatcatcher.

In their presence, we’re reminded of the sacred balance of this ecosystem, and of our place within it.

We’ll begin with a simple land offering—a gesture of gratitude and respect for the original stewards of this region, and all those who continue to make it home.

From there, we’ll walk slowly and mostly in silence, letting the landscape speak through scent, sound, texture, and light. The rustle of leaves, distant birdsong, the hush of wind moving through the valley—it all invites us inward.

Midway, we’ll pause for stillness, reflection, and sharing (if you feel called). On our return, gentle conversation welcomes us back into community and connection.

This is a space to move slowly, to listen deeply, to feel the rhythms of a living land.

We look forward to walking with you!