Elysian Park Sniffari
Hosted by Native Shoes, Usal, and Jason Wise
Elysian Park Sniffari
Hosted by Native Shoes, Usal, and Jason Wise
The saying “stop and smell the flowers” holds more wisdom than you might think. Your sense of smell is the only sense that’s directly connected to the limbic system, where emotions are experienced, and memories are stored. None of our other senses that we rely on for understanding the world—especially sight—have that power. With the guidance of Certified California Naturalist Jason Wise, we set out on a Spring Equinox “Sniffari” through LA’s Elysian Park. Partnering with Usal, fellow outdoor activity advocates, we explored the scents of the season.
The saying “stop and smell the flowers” holds more wisdom than you might think. Your sense of smell is the only sense that’s directly connected to the limbic system, where emotions are experienced, and memories are stored. None of our other senses that we rely on for understanding the world—especially sight—have that power. With the guidance of Certified California Naturalist Jason Wise, we set out on a Spring Equinox “Sniffari” through LA’s Elysian Park. Partnering with Usal, fellow outdoor activity advocates, we explored the scents of the season.
Throughout their exploration of the park, participating families were invited to engage this very intentional sense, noticing the world around them in a way that few of us may think to. Sweet, spicy, earthy, sour, even stinky smelling nature is purposeful; it’s one of the most important methods that plants use to communicate with other living things. From the sweet scent of blue elderflowers to the earthy aroma of white sage to the minty tang of California sagebrush, every ecosystem tells its own story through scent. What might you find on your own Sniffari?
Throughout their exploration of the park, participating families were invited to engage this very intentional sense, noticing the world around them in a way that few of us may think to. Sweet, spicy, earthy, sour, even stinky smelling nature is purposeful; it’s one of the most important methods that plants use to communicate with other living things. From the sweet scent of blue elderflowers to the earthy aroma of white sage to the minty tang of California sagebrush, every ecosystem tells its own story through scent. What might you find on your own Sniffari?
Jason writes and teaches about foraging, ecology, mindfulness, nature, joy, and relationships—living with the land, not simply on it. An ethos dear to our own hearts.
Our thanks to @jasonjourneyman for the skills and passion he shared to create this event, to @haley.comstock for capturing cherished memories of the day, and to @usal.projects for their partnership on this and many other community-building outdoor activities.
Jason writes and teaches about foraging, ecology, mindfulness, nature, joy, and relationships—living with the land, not simply on it. An ethos dear to our own hearts.
Our thanks to @jasonjourneyman for the skills and passion he shared to create this event, to @haley.comstock for capturing cherished memories of the day, and to @usal.projects for their partnership on this and many other community-building outdoor activities.
