2019 examines the complex interplay between human activity and the soil ecosystems of California’s west coast, highlighting how these disruptions ripple outward to affect biodiversity, environmental health, and ultimately our own well-being. At the center, a Dusky-footed Woodrat hovers protectively over her nest—now constructed from bits of plastic and discarded trash—symbolizing the adaptive challenges native species face in human-altered environments. Above, a Woodson’s Scrub Jay observes a Redwood Sideband Snail crossing a bed of pebbles, while below, a cross-section of soil reveals earthworms (non-native to North America) flourishing alongside native soil centipedes. A corroded copper pipe and shards of broken glass embedded in the earth speak to decades of human neglect. Yet despite these challenges, the species depicted here persist, demonstrating a quiet resilience and capacity for adaptation in the face of ecological change. This layered scene reminds us that every player in the soil web contributes to the health of life above ground, including our own.