fernheartdesigns
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First Bird: A New Year’s Nature Practice
One practice I was introduced to by the birding community was the “First Bird”. The “First Bird” is the first bird that you observe in a New Year. I have found it to a fun practice that allows me to pause and slow down, get outside, and genuinely engage with the world around me. Want…
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Following Instructions
It is interesting how certain ideas loop back to us. How a moment brings to mind something we have heard or read. Recently, I found myself reminded of one of my favorite poem excerpts from Mary Oliver’s “Sometimes” Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. I was first introduced to…
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Wetlands: Wild, Wonderful, and Worth Protecting
While there are many amazing ecosystems around the world, I find myself especially partial to wetlands. This is probably because I have easy access to several urban wetlands near my home and a lot of my volunteer work is centered around them, but as a birder and naturalist I also appreciate their incredible biodiversity and…
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Species Spotlight: Purple Martin
Here in the Pacific Northwest, it is not uncommon to see swallows swoop and spin in aerial acrobatics above local wetlands beginning in the Spring. Multiple species often mix together in these areas, eating insects and drinking water in flight. Barn swallows will build mud nests in the corners of human made structures, while tree…
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Earth Day, Every Day – Little Acts of Stewardship for the planet
Every year on April 22nd, we celebrate the incredible planet we call home – Earth. And each year, special activities are offered on that day or another time during the month of April to help engage individuals and communities in actions. But what about the rest of the year?
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Teaching Nature Journaling – Where to Begin?
So you want to share the wonderful world of Nature Journaling with others, but might be feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to begin. And you are not alone. Much like the feelings you may have had the first time that you began your own nature journaling page, it can feel intimidating about where to…
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Ode to a Matriarch of the Forest
There is a famous saying that “if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”. I found myself struck by this phrase as I walked through the forested area of a nearby park. Or perhaps I realized that my own interpretation of “no one”…
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Species Spotlight: Western Trillium
Spring has sprung here in the Pacific Northwest – which means the forest floors begin to light up with Trillium. Time is everything when it comes to these beautiful and iconic blooms.
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Using Nature To Foster The Three C’s: Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection
If we let it, nature can be a valuable teacher. It can help us discover ourselves, the world around us, and all the changes shaping both all the time. We can find our voice through pen or screen to share what we learn with others. And be shaped by the world around us at the…
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Nature Journaling Prompts: Where To Begin?
Sometimes when we nature journal, we can find ourselves stuck on where to begin. With so many wonderful things to explore, I can relate to this…so having some prompts to help us get started can be helpful to keep in our back pocket. And like many other educators, I love a good mnemonic to help…