In this ninth episode, host Emily Harwitz ventures to Butano State Park to ask artist, educator, and naturalist Elexis Padrón: What is art? How can art help us connect with nature? And what role can artists play in conservation? As Elexis puts it, art is a way of seeing that can help us foster our relationships with nature. Art can be a way to help people not just see and value, but love this world. From personal philosophies on why art is a powerful tool for connection, to the ins and outs of nature journaling, to the new statewide Arts in California Parks program, Emily and Elexis have a blast chatting about the deep—and playful—intersection of art and nature.

Elexis Padrón is an artist, naturalist, and educator who is passionate about helping people deepen their connection with nature through practical, fun artistic practices. She was born and raised in California and has lived in many different human and natural ecosystems. Her practice is informed by the deeply rooted belief that humans are not separate from nature, and that recentering that bond that was never lost is crucial to moving forward in our current climate. Find her on Instagram @vanillakeys.