WriterByNature.com

February 28, 2010 7:15 am

The snow is waist deep. I’ve been snowed in since Thursday. It’s fun and at the same time, scary. What’s up with that? When did I become afraid of nature?

The dense heavy snow is good for making a quinzee. But considering I spent close to four hours moving enough snow away from my door to squeeze outside, I’m inclined to save my energy. My neighbors and I may be pecking at this with shovels until May.

My car is under this snow somewhere. The snow plow guy is not avoiding me. He needs to come back with a bucket loader. This rural driveway is too challenging for a suburban truck & plow. (more…)

October 15, 2009 4:46 pm

We had a hard frost yesterday. It’s peak leaf season and it’s snowing. Under these conditions, it’s often difficult to convince Americans that climate change is a real issue. When fellow writer Janet Riehl asked me to contribute to her blog in honor of the call to action, I had no problem sharing my thoughts with her.

Most of the beech and birch trees are bare, but the maples range from golden to scarlet. Autumn in New York’s Hudson Valley is a beautiful time. But leafy boughs laden with snow are dangerous and often damage deciduous trees.

In spite of the unseasonable cold snap locally, there is irrefutable evidence of world-wide climate change, from melting polar ice caps, to extreme weather events – drought, flood, and intense storms.

I don’t know if the residents of the richest nation in the world with catch on before it’s too late.  I hope so.

March 29, 2009 6:25 am

This year Earth Hour begins at 8:30 PM local time on Saturday, March 28.

Go ahead, turn off your lights, your computer and your appliances if you choose for one hour.

I’m thrilled that a neighbor asked me to support her campaign to notify local leaders about Earth Hour. Change begins with one small step.

January 9, 2009 7:59 am

I’ve been hiking with my cross-country ski poles, because this trail would not be accessible otherwise.

I’m getting the added benefit of exercising my arms and upper body. And it’s better than not being outdoors at all.  I miss the snow, but it’s hard not to see the beauty in this icy wonderland.

And it’s an opportunity to study my tracks on ice.

But take one look at the photo in the top right corner of my home page and you can see what the trails looked like two years ago.

December 31, 2008 6:26 am

It’s hard to believe that last New Year’s Eve I was sleeping in a quinzee. There was snow last year at this time.

Despite the temptation to fret about climate change, as I reflect on the past year, I am pleased at the steps I have taken to live an even more ecologically sustainable life. I’m really delighted that I’m not the only individual making small but powerful lifestyle changes. Yes, one person can make a difference. Yes we can live more eco-friendly lives.

Even if gasoline prices plummet to the 29-cents of my college days, I know I’ll drive fewer miles than I did even a year ago. Many of us have modified our driving habits. Individually and collectively we are helping preserve the planet – and sending a message.

Here are a few more lifestyle tips that don’t require major inconvenience for the payoff of a lighter carbon footprint. (more…)

October 23, 2008 4:48 pm

Presenting nature programs to the public can be challenging, but my most recent experience at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum was a total joy.

Every adult attendee was male, most with toddlers, and school-aged sons and daughters; one dad carried his year-old infant in a 21st Century papoose.

The children noticed the lobes of the white oak leaves and the points of the red oak leaves. They were fascinated with the grubs that emerged from the acorns we gathered for display. Everyone shared the music of acorn cap whistles.

At a time when it’s easy to despair about climate change, habitat destruction and general apathy toward the natural world, I got a glimpse into the lives of some young families that affirm my values.

October 15, 2008 6:47 am

As if harvesting blueberries and acorns simultaneously isn’t surprising enough, I was really shocked to see this blueberry plant flowering. Yes, the climate is changing.

In the autumns of my childhood, blueberries were no longer ripening in September, color was past peak by mid-October, and witch hazel bloomed after their leaves and nuts fell in November .

I’m tempted to stress out over the political decision-making that has contributed to climate change (not to mention our economic woes), but it’s leaf season and as long as there are autumn displays, I will honor them.

(more…)

September 25, 2008 6:00 am

I’ve cut down on my driving, so I recalculated my carbon footprint. This time I used:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator.

On this scale, the average American (I hope that’s household and not individual) produces 7.5 tons of carbon dioxide each year. I (or my household) scored 3.3 tons or 3.5 tons. I don’t know what portion, if any, of my electric service comes from renewable sources. That number still doesn’t make me feel very eco-friendly.

But I’m aware of the impact of my choices. I’m working diligently to develop the skills to become carbon neutral.

July 5, 2008 7:01 am

Awareness, movement, marks in the earth – all require different skills than research on the Internet.

I started out thinking I could create a balanced life in both domains. I realize now why I cannot. It has to do with how I move, what parts of my body move and how my brain processes the incoming information. (more…)

May 1, 2008 8:14 am

I’m walking more. Yesterday I visited a bicycle shop. The only way to send a message to the oil companies is to vote with our pocketbooks.

This madness of suspending the gasoline tax for a few weeks has only strengthened my resolve to find another way to reach my destination. I am blessed, because I also have access to public transportation.

But the most empowering thing that has happened to me recently is the discovery that I can actually walk to my favorite hiking trail. The trail head is closer than the hikers’ parking lot.

I cringe when I think of how long I have been driving to a place within walking distance.

I might never have made that discovery if gasoline prices had not risen beyond my willingness to pay.