Nature, a few steps away.

Moses Cortez, Opinion Editor • May 20, 2026

The beginning of the trail, with an informational plaque that describes the area and what the Agricultural Literacy Trail is.

From Mexican cacti to bamboo from China, the Agricultural Literacy Trail is a complete contrast from the brick-and-mortar buildings on Mt. SAC’s main campus. The trail gives students an introduction to plant life present within California’s Mediterranean climate, as well as the various plants that could survive in it.

Across the street from the Child Development Center and beside the Agricultural Science Building, sits the Agricultural Literacy Trail. Combined with the Demonstration Garden, the Agricultural Literacy Trail acts as a reminder to take a step outside and connect with nature.

Somewhere shady to rest.

A naturally forming archway made from bamboo, providing shade to any who ventures beneath it. (Moses Cortez)

Nature is much closer than one thinks.

A pair of palm trees growing close together, while the street is only a few meters away. (Moses Cortez)

Somewhere to kickback and relax.

One of the few seating areas within the grounds of the trail, giving visitors somewhere to rest and enjoy nature in the shade. (Moses Cortez)

Everyone does their part.

Bees spend time gathering and spreading pollen on some of the flowers on the trail. (Moses Cortez)

Reach for the sky.

A bundle of cacti sprawling towards the sun, acting as shade and climbing higher than the other cacti in the area. (Moses Cortez)

Did anybody else see that tumbleweed?

Flowers burst from cacti and race towards the sun, just one of the many species located on the trail. (Moses Cortez)

Flurry of Colors.

Different species of flowers blooming, contrasting in colors. (Moses Cortez)

The sun reveals something beautiful when given the chance.

A few flowers outshine others with the Sun acting as a spotlight showcasing how special they are. (Moses Cortez)

Easter may have been a month ago, though the colors remain all Spring long.

The flowers, leaves and sky come together to make an Easter-adjacent color scheme. (Moses Cortez)

A flowery place to rest.

A tree with bloomed flowers surrounds a small area to rest, creating a small flowery overhang. (Moses Cortez)

With the stress of being a student during the latter half of the Spring semester, it’s hard to remember to take a step back and take a breath of fresh air and spend time in the sun.

About the Contributor

Moses Cortez, Opinions Editor

Moses Cortez serves as the Opinion’s Editor for SAC Media, an award-winning student publication based out of Mt. San Antonio College. With a deep interest in the stories of those on and off campus, the various opinions that come to mind, and the different things going on in the surrounding area, his writing takes those things and puts it out for the world to see. Outside of SACMedia, his interests lie within music, video games, creative writing, and various other media types with interesting stories to tell.