Meet the Friends of H.O.M.E

Shanti Cliff

I first went to Panther Meadows nearly 25 years ago and am still in awe that this jagged rocky volcano hosts such a delicate ecosystem with wild flowers, streams, meadows, mosses, and grasses. But what is also special is intangible—I feel rejuvenated, and experience a deeper intimacy with myself, nature and others from every visit.

Early last summer, someone posted on NextDoor that Panther Meadows was getting trashed from the increase in visitors. My heart ached. Then I learned about the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center’s H.O.M.E. program and that it had been very successful at restoration in the past. However, it was not currently being implemented due to lack of funds so I was hoping someone would initiate a GoFundMe campaign.

While H.O.M.E. cares for the mountain in many ways through its four main projects, what inspired me most is the Trailhead Host project.  Having the presence of trained volunteers educating people about the mountain, when done right, can inspire a sense of connection and stewardship that can last a lifetime. I know this because it happened to me and my brothers in our teens when we had an encounter with a ranger named Dr. Sharsmith in Yosemite.

A few months after the post on Nextdoor, a friend and I were hiking on the mountain, and we met Susan who was with a mutual friend. We talked about the impact of the crowds. I suggested that someone start a GoFundMe for the H.O.M.E. project and—rightfully so—it just sort of ended up back on me. So I pitched it as a group effort and that idea really clicked with Susan.

The Trailhead Host project particularly inspires me, but the more I learn about H.O.M.E., I understand how each aspect of it is critical for the care of our mountain. That is why we have set out with the ambitious goal of raising funds for the entire H.O.M.E. program rather than in smaller amounts for its specific projects. Our mountain gives us so much beauty and it deserves to be preserved and cared for by the Ecology Center’s program in its full capacity.  By doing so, it gives all visitors the opportunity to be good stewards of the mountain.

-Shanti Cliff

To contribute to the H.O.M.E. GoFundMe campaign click here.