In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this month’s media contest called on GBI personnel to offer submissions related to the theme of “gratitude.” This has, of course, been a challenging year, so it has been a welcome break from the topsy-turvy to be privy to the sights that have made our Research Associates, AmeriCorps members, and NCC crew members grateful. These include the video submission sent us by RA Nadia Westenburg. “My ‘Moment of Gratitude’ this month was captured in this video of driving into Yosemite Valley after the first snow of the season,” Nadia explains. “I make this commute almost every day and it’s always stunning, but the snow turns the valley into pure magic and, since this storm was the first precipitation we’ve had in months, was able to dampen all the nearby wildfires and clear out the smoke that had been lingering in the valley since August. All of us here are immensely grateful to finally have healthy levels of air quality again (and some fresh powder to play in!). [Safety note: I was a passenger in the vehicle when I took this video.]”
Enjoy the video below and the other great submissions. For our part, GBI remains forever thankful for the passion, dedication, and hard work of those who keep the institute thriving.





