Stars, trees, mountains: Santa Rosa outdoor youth program is using nature to combat gun violence

LandPaths takes at-risk youth out of their concrete, urban environments and into the natural one, offering many their first encounters with the land Alejandro Elizarraraz stands in the middle of a grassy field with a saw in his hands. On a hillside overlooking the lush forests of northern California, the 18 year old cuts back brush and branches as a way to help prevent wildfires. “We’re going to give the tree a high fade cuz it’s 10 feet,” he said, grinning. “You get it?” Continue reading...

By Shandra Back in Santa Rosa, California