We Came to the Forest – Episode 1: Paradise Found
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host/Author: Wondery | Campside Media
Introduction to Vienna Forrest
The journey begins with Vienna Forrest, a dedicated delivery driver navigating the bustling streets of Atlanta. Recently strained by personal struggles, Vienna finds solace in her relationship with her partner, Tortuguita—a name meaning "little turtle" in Spanish. Their bond provides a comforting anchor amidst the chaos of Vienna's life.
“The person manning the gate caught us. They’re like, next time tell your friends to hide their legs better because Torte’s legs were sticking out from under the blanket.”
— Vienna Forrest [01:19]
The Cause: Opposing Cop City
A pivotal moment arises when Vienna learns about Cop City, a $109 million police training facility slated for construction in the South River Forest, an expansive urban woodland in Atlanta. Cop City stands as a symbol of police militarization, sparking outrage among various activist groups concerned about its implications for the community and the environment.
“Cop City is being built right next to a historically black neighborhood in a city where the relationship between black residents and police is often very strained.”
— Podcast Narrator [09:54]
Joining the Movement: Week of Action
Driven by a desire to effect change and fueled by a newfound passion ignited during the pandemic, Vienna decides to join the Defend the Forest movement. She attends the Week of Action event in late July 2022, a gathering designed to unite activists through rallies, marches, and educational sessions aimed at halting the construction of Cop City.
“I could do that.”
— Vienna Forrest [12:52]
Life in South River Forest: Community and Activism
Upon arrival, Vienna immerses herself in the vibrant community of Space Camp within the forest. The camp is a hub for activists, environmentalists, and individuals seeking refuge from societal norms. Here, Vienna discovers a sense of belonging and purpose, engaging in communal activities, mutual aid, and strategic planning against Cop City's construction.
“There’s something truly liberating about taking a shit in the middle of the woods. Just bringing back to your animalistic nature, you know?”
— Vienna Forrest [19:26]
Building Relationships: Vienna and Tortuguita
During her time at Space Camp, Vienna forms a deep connection with Tortuguita, who serves as an informal spokesperson and liaison for the Forest Defenders. Their relationship blossoms amidst shared ideals and the serene yet tense environment of the forest.
“We were flirting. We did massages, gave each other massages.”
— Vienna Forrest [34:33]
Rising Tensions: Law Enforcement’s Actions
As the movement gains momentum, so does the opposition from law enforcement. A joint task force is deployed to dismantle the activist encampments, leading to heightened tensions and sporadic confrontations. Vienna and her fellow activists face increasing scrutiny, arrests, and strategic sabotage against Cop City's construction.
“They have guns. We have to have some. We can’t stand up to tanks. We can’t stand up to guns, but we can make it difficult for you guys to do what you guys want to do.”
— Vienna Forrest [27:12]
Climax: The Morning That Shatters Everything
Tragedy strikes when Vienna returns to the forest after a week of action, only to find the camp eerily deserted. The absence of her community members signals a crackdown by authorities, intensifying the sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Concurrently, Vienna grapples with the devastating loss of her roommate, Gavin, whose decline due to alcoholism underscores the personal costs of activism.
“And they died less than 48 hours later. Total organ failure. That’s when my life kind of fell apart.”
— Vienna Forrest [28:32]
Conclusion: What Are You Willing to Die For?
The episode culminates in a haunting question that resonates deeply with Vienna and her allies: “What are you willing to die for?” This introspection reflects the broader struggle of the movement as it teeters on the brink of confrontation, with Vienna facing both external threats and internal turmoil.
“I don’t know. Sure seems like they’re hiding something.”
— Vienna Forrest [40:15]
Key Themes and Insights
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Activism and Community Building: The formation of Space Camp highlights the power of collective action and the creation of supportive communities amidst political and environmental battles.
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Personal Struggles and Resilience: Vienna's journey underscores the intersection of personal grief and activism, illustrating how individual experiences shape and are shaped by broader societal conflicts.
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Confrontation with Authority: The escalating tensions between activists and law enforcement emphasize the complexities and dangers inherent in resistance movements.
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Identity and Belonging: The movement serves as a sanctuary for marginalized individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging the exploration of personal identities.
Notable Quotes
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“I was very much burnt out at this time because I was working a nine to five job five days a week. So in some ways I saw the week of action as a vacation. But I’m also doing activism.”
— Vienna Forrest [12:52] -
“We don't crave conflict. I'm sure some folks do. And, yeah, some folks probably have flashpoint moments where it's like, oh, yes, the truck being lit on fire or whatever, but not me.”
— Vienna Forrest [37:08] -
“It's like, what better way to say fuck the police than to, like, build and thrive and be happy, be happy and peaceful and kind to each other.”
— Vienna Forrest [38:12]
Final Thoughts
"Paradise Found" sets the stage for an intense exploration of activism, personal loss, and the relentless pursuit of a cause deemed just by its proponents. Through Vienna Forrest's eyes, listeners witness the delicate balance between idealism and reality, community solidarity and individual anguish. As the narrative unfolds, the question of sacrifice and the true cost of standing up for one's beliefs becomes increasingly poignant.
Stay tuned for the unfolding drama in subsequent episodes of We Came to the Forest, where Vienna's story continues to delve into the heart of environmental and social activism amidst mounting adversity.