WriterByNature.com

November 23, 2007 6:09 am

I love the colors, but really I feel like I’ve stepped into a strange world. This is the first time in my 55 years on the planet that colored leaves have been around on Thanksgiving.

This extended leaf season is both soothing and disturbing. It’s hard not to be in awe of the expanse of color. But I wonder if the trees are as confused as I am. (more…)

October 8, 2007 10:12 am

I love wild apples. These were probably planted and then left to go wild. They are crisp, tart and taste like autumn to me.

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August 21, 2007 5:40 pm

I love early morning hikes, before the day gets busy. It’s a privilege to watch a spider weave a web.

July 26, 2007 2:33 pm

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. (more…)

July 18, 2007 4:27 am

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, carrying less weight in my pack and fitting my hiking boots. I got a taste of fly fishing, archaeology, and political advocacy.

I really enjoyed spending a few days surrounded by like-minded people wearing cargo pants and hiking boots. The fact that people are willing to travel from Ohio, Indiana, Florida and every state on the AT, gives me hope that we can keep the planet from becoming entirely paved over.

It takes a great deal of cooperation - and just the right combination of vision and attention to detail - to host an event like this. The New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Ramapo College and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are amazing. (more…)

May 16, 2007 8:44 pm

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.

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July 29, 2006 2:24 am

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. (more…)

July 27, 2006 2:30 am

Warm summer nights are one of the best times to enjoy nature.

All you need is a flashlight, the ability to count to 20 and access to a yard for an evening of fun.

Go out to a lawn or grassy open area after dark. Watch the firefly flash. Count two seconds and then shine your flashlight for one second.

How close or far do you have to be to attract a firefly?

What other animals can you hear or see on a warm summer night?

July 1, 2006 3:20 am

Sweltering heat and humidity provide ideal conditions for insects.

My Permethrin-treated gear and a light breeze make a hike bearable. In the past, I’ve written poetry about insects. And I’m inspired to quote SUMMER by Walter Dean Myers whenever there’s a heat wave.

My recent discovery, Nature’s Everyday Mysteries by Sy Montgomery has me looking at mosquitoes in a new way. (more…)

June 22, 2006 2:41 am

I love the poem Summer by Walter Dean Myers.

The line “Bugs buzzin’ from cousin to cousin” puts a smile on my overheated face. Hot summer days and nights are perfect for studying all kinds of insects.

Since I take steps to make myself inedible to insects, it’s much easier to observe and get to know the ones that crawl or fly across my path.

Here is a list of insects you’re likely to see in northeast North America and some interesting facts about each as spring turns into summer: (more…)