the forest is my home because that's where my heart is

Tomorrow, June 1, is National Trails Day and this is my invitation to go hit a trail, tomorrow and any day you can. I will probably go on one of my favorite trails in the East Bay, the Seaview Trail. In the meantime, today, I share an image from Humboldt Redwoods State Park, one of my favorite places in California (and the whole world). The beautiful landmark in the photo has an illustrious history:

The California Federation of Women's Clubs Grove, located on the Avenue of the Giants 3 miles north of the Visitor Center, offers many day use activities as well as a glimpse into history. This day use area has picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms, river access with a swimming hole, and a hiking trail. In addition, the Hearthstone or four fireplaces structure, is located in this grove. The Hearthstone was designed by architect Julia Morgan as a tribute to the women who worked so hard to preserve the redwoods in this grove and the surrounding area. [source]

Early in the 20th century, women’s civic groups around California organized a statewide campaign to protect the redwoods in Humboldt County. In response, the California Federation of Women’s Clubs purchased a grove of giant redwoods next to the South Fork of the Eel River. In 1931, renowned San Francisco architect Julia Morgan, designer of the Hearst Castle, fashioned a monument to celebrate saving the grove from the loggers’ saw. Morgan’s monument stands today in the Federation’s grove, a peculiar four-sided hearth that features fireplaces facing each direction. Officially called the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Hearthstone, it was built of native stone and redwood timber. Morgan’s biographer wrote that the Hearthstone is a symbol for “the untouched nature of the forest and the Federation’s scrupulous protection of this heritage.” [source]

In 1933 the General Federation of Women’s Clubs hired Julia Morgan to design a memorial to symbolize their victorious effort and champion their motto, “Strength United is Stronger”. The hearthstone was designed with four stone fireplaces united with a common chimmey. Oversized rocks collected from the Eel River are on the face of the structure. Cut tree trunks support wood roofs that cover the open hearths. Stone bench inglenooks provide a resting place. [source]

Now, let's get a bit closer to read the inscription over the front fireplace:

women know best

For lo,
in the forest there
comes contentment
peace and the sweet
companionship of
nature

This is my contribution to edition #86 of Black and White Wednesday – A Culinary Photography Event created by Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook, now organized by Cinzia of Cindystar, and hosted this week by Deepali Jain of Confusion Cook.

The photo was shot in color and then converted to black and white (Lightroom preset BW Look 1).

This post contains the gallery of images contributed to the event.

On this page, you can find out who is hosting the current and future editions of the event.