John Denver was an ordinary man who possessed the courage to live by a profound philosophy—that deep inside we are all the same.

This philosophy was fed by his life experiences and the inspiration he received from the natural world, friends Carl Sagan and Jacques Cousteau, and other brilliant poets, scientists, and thinkers. Two featured quotes were written by local school children as part of a writing unit inspired by John Denver’s message about caring for the Earth. Etched into boulders throughout the sanctuary, their musings on the beauty of the natural world, children’s innate love of nature, and the cultural significance of rivers are small expressions of the attitudes and sentiments that inspired him.

Our human search for meaning connects us all – countless people before and after you will read these quotes. Taking in the words and phrases, we embody John Denver’s philosophy and honor our shared experience.