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Description
In this oral history, Marin Municipal Water District park ranger Matt Cerkel shares his passion for Mt. Tam as well as some of the extensive historical, geographical, and environmental knowledge he acquired in his 22 years working on the mountain. Born in San Francisco, Matt grew up in Kentfield and Greenbrae. Matt relates how his father's side of the family came to San Francisco in the 1850s, and how his grandfather told him stories about taking the ferry from the city in the 1920s to go hiking on Mt. Tam. A graduate of Redwood High School, Matt then attended the University of Idaho and began working for the Marin Municipal Water District when he came home for summer vacations. Matt recounts the history of the water district, and gives a detailed description of what a park ranger does. He tells stories of mountain rescues, wildlife sightings, and various other tales from the trails. In addition to being a park ranger, Matt is also a photographer and a lecturer, and he discusses his book of photographs A Year on the Mountain. Matt shares his views on how those who enjoy the mountain can show their appreciation through specific ways of caring for it. He concludes this oral history by conjuring up a few of the magical days he has spent on the mountain, when he was surprised anew by its breathtaking beauty or the discovery of some unmapped natural treasure.
Identifier
D36A6B1F-6848-4B0E-9812-469672513230 2017.093.001
Subject
Accidents Airplane crashes Conservation of natural resources Hiking Kent, William Marin Municipal Water District Mt. Tamalpais Muir, John Photography Rangers Search & rescue operations Trails & paths Water companies Wildflowers Wildlife Oral history - Nature and conservation
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