I’m convinced that you have to have the soul of a gambler to be a successful gardener. Betsy and I have spent a portion of our weeding time this week picking Colorado potato beetles and their egg deposits from the underside of our young potatoes, beans and eggplants. In addition to critters (like the crows [...]
It’s heart-warming to watch dads guide their sons and daughters to connect to the world of nature.
Male bees don’t have stingers. That’s just one of the things wrong with this animated film. I’m clueless at the decision-making that lead to this bizarre script. Are men in our culture so insecure that they have to depart from the way real bees live? It wouldn’t be such a big deal, except bees are [...]
I love wild apples. These were probably planted and then left to go wild. They are crisp, tart and taste like autumn to me.
I love early morning hikes, before the day gets busy. It’s a privilege to watch a spider weave a web. [youtube kOD3H0HqSxM nolink]
Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity.
The workshops I attended at this event gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from dedicated naturalists. Beyond the workshops, there were hands-on opportunities to learn trail-building skills, hikes, excursions to area events, vendors, book signings, and the most patient and helpful support staff anywhere. I got pointers on nature photography, hanging my hammock, [...]
The days are still getting longer, making it easier for animals to get around. Here’s who was out and about this morning: This porcupine is aware I’m watching. Porcupines cannot “throw” their quills. Quills penetrate the skin of animals that touch them.
I love to hike, but sometimes it’s just too hot and humid to move.
One way to practice nature observation skills is to choose a patch of lawn, forest floor, or even the trunk of a tree in deep woods, and study it closely. The list of what you need is short. There’s no end to what you might observe, but I’ve listed a few things you might look for while exploring the natural world. This technique works just fine if you have access to other habitats including wetlands, tide pools, gardens and transition areas.
This is a really good activity if you have ten minutes or more to explore. When you focus on the tiniest members of the natural world your perspective changes. It’s one of my favorite ways to beat the heat. It’s also a terrific mini-vacation any time of year.
