Going Nude on Berkeley Campus to Save the Trees

What is it like to lie down naked on the ground at the UC Berkeley campus sounded by people, clothed and unclothed beside and above me in the trees? Well, as for me, this is my whole story.

I had seen photography by Jack Gescheidt often, beautiful black and white nudes in trees, and one that I had even given my son, nudes on roller skates in San Francisco. I had often thought of being in one of the photos, but never had managed it. But when I discovered this one of his Tree Spirit set was to bring attention to the oak grove near Memorial Stadium to help protect it from being cut down, I was determined to do it this time no matter what.

UC wants to cut down the grove to build an athletic training center which it has been pointed out would collapse if an earthquake occurred. Even an Alameda
Country judge stopped progress on the plan because of that issue. Six tree sitters have been aloft since December 2^nd in tree houses with buckets and sleeping bags and tarps and numerous giggles.

Getting there from the far end of San Francisco took two hours on public tranny, which meant leaving early on the Saturday morning. I had not realized until I saw people on the bus with green stamps on their faces and green Mardi Gras type beads that it was St. Patricks Day. The grove is lovely, and easily visible from the street. The shoot went on much longer than the planned time, partly because of much repetition, especially about the possibility of arrest, and many we calling to get on with it. We were clothed for most of the time, in jackets, some holding steaming drinks as advised by Jack. Normally, I am paid at least 100 dollars an hour to pose for photographers, often much more. Only for political issues do I do it for free.