Naturalist
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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?
-
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”…
-
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…
-
Nature Journaling is LEARNING: G is for Grow
Whether it is 5 minutes during a lunch break or half an hour on a day off, grab your journal, something to write with, and find something interesting. Try different strategies – like a quick sketch to capture rough shapes or really zooming in to notice the details. Play with lines or color or different…
-
Looking vs. Seeing: The Unexpected Outcome of Observation
“Looking” and “Seeing” are often used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing – or powerfully different.
-
What Is It and How Do I Know? – 4 Tips for Nature Identification
You are outside walking…in your neighborhood…a park…a faraway place… it doesn’t really matter. When suddenly, there in front of you is something new. Something you’ve never seen before! And you want to figure out what it is!!! But how…? Read this post to learn more.
-
What is a Naturalist?
When I started thinking of a naturalist in that way, I realized what many others before me likely already had… I was a naturalist. I loved studying natural history – from the rocks and formation of our planet, to the plants and animals that share it with us, to the ways in which water and…