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    Thinkwalks explore the overlap of urban and natural San Francisco. Life in the city, don't forget, is life in a natural environment. The valleys and waterways may be filled in or paved over, but they still exist. Clues to their influence are all around us—especially when nature burps. Earthquakes, rainstorms, even the ever-present wind are forces still shaping the land and our habits. Cultural and political forces have heaved against the land forms, too—and for thousands of years! Human history is clearly part of nature's big picture. Come scrutinize evidence about what really transpired. Let's look at how SF got to be what it is. Thinkwalks are a chance to understand natural patterns in the broadest sense so we can shape our collective future wisely.

Recently on Thinkwalks Blog...

Into the Future Without Reservations

January 3rd, 2012

As of this new year, I’m using a new system for Thinkwalks tours. Reservations are no longer necessary. After experimenting with various ways of tracking reservations, it seemed silly. I don’t require—or encourage—advance payment, so I may as well not require you, the commitment-averse people of San Francisco, to commit. Just show up! My new  more »

A Creek Through the Wiggle & Across Market at Church St.

December 10th, 2011

We tried to put the creek into our mural. Mona sketched it on paper. Seth painted it on the wall—three times before getting it the way he liked it, with the street names of the Wiggle bike route shimmering in the water. We carefully mocked reality with brown (Franciscan chert) rocks on the one side  more »