Due to a very rainy winter, the Malibu hills boasted lush greenery and wild flowers this misty mid-June morning. I set out on the Edison fire road trail just as the sun was rising. The marine layer blanketed the hills and moisture thickened the air. I typically don’t carry my phone when hiking for many reasons, but this day I had it in hand in order to capture the abundantly blooming yucca flowers.

As I reached the Edison tower, a very small plant in the middle of the trail caught my attention. Upon closer look, it revealed a perfectly formed spider web with inhabitant supported by the heart-shaped arms of the plant. This gift from nature affirmed my resolve to tell the story of this land from the perspective of those who originally walked in these hills.