The Inland Empire of Southern California may seem defined by freeways and warehouses, but inbetween these gridlines lives stunning biodiversity worth fighting for. As warehouses proliferate to serve the LA ports, they fragment ecosystems and strain native species. Yet organizations like the Rivers & Lands Conservancy are pushing back, conserving habitats across Southern California and inviting the community to join through volunteer plantings and restoration events. This region holds majestic mountains, resilient native plants, and beautiful habitats that need protecting. Through documenting RLC's work, I've discovered not just landscapes, but the dedicated people restoring them—staff members and volunteers who show up to get their hands dirty and build a better world.

My goal with photography is to evoke action, movement, or even just a subtle lift of the soul. I believe we built this world, so we can change it—and individual commitment can spark institutional change. Through this series, I want to share the stories of the RLC staff, dedicated volunteers, and native species thriving in our local ecosystems. I hope these photographs inspire you to explore your own connection to the land, to get outside and experience the beauty that exists in unexpected places, and perhaps to join the collective effort to protect and restore it. The natural world is closer than you think.