It is very rare to have an environment like the San Francisco Bay Area, with a population of 7 million people so close to such pristine natural environments. There are many ecosystems in the Bay Area. For example, there is the Pacific Ocean, coastal ecosystems, flatter fields and plains, and the foothills in the Central Valley. These ecosystems contain some unique species, such as the Banana Slug, the Red-tailed hawk, and the gray whale.

Tom Killian's artwork is an amazing showcase of the creativity that can come out of an amazing environment like Mount Tamalpais. The poetry and the wood carvings are very inspiring, particularly because I am an artist. It is also amazing that the Miwoks were also inspired and influenced by Mount Tam so long ago.

The video on Sunol was interesting because it showed the different plant communities that were present. I couldn't believe how many small insects and "galls" there were, and the great influence that they have on the environment. I had no idea that these growths were made by wasps, or that the wasps use the trees for this purpose. I think that Mount Tamalpais provides a great opportunity to observe the small natural elements that are all around us.

I had no idea that Serpentine was our state rock or that it was in jeopardy of being replaced as this title. I think it is interesting how people want to change the rock that represents the state when evidence surfaces that it may be harmful. For example, the article says that it may be carcinogenic or cause harm to plants trying to grow in nearby areas.