By Rose Moore, Master Naturalist
Usually, when the word “Honeysuckle” is mentioned among naturalists and gardeners, you get a look of pain. Yes, that word brings on an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion in me because I have to deal with the very invasive species of its kind on my property. Yet, in...
“Why”? This just might be the single most recognized question asked by children everywhere. This simple word can open the door to a world of discovery for a child and annoy parents all at the same time. Behold the power of questions.
“We live in a world our questions create.” David Copperrider...
One of the books I treasure the most and has made a lasting impression on me is Rachel Carson’s Sense of Wonder. This short book (originally written as a magazine article) is chocked full of memorable quotes and inspiration. For all of us navigating this new “normal” it is a poignant reminder of...
“Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote brings me comfort during this unsettling time and it is a gentle reminder that nothing is permanent and that this too shall pass. Just take a look at nature. She has been asleep, resting and waiting these past...
By Rose Moore, Master Naturalist
It all started a month ago when I was working on a painting of Giant Sequoias after a trip I took recently to Yosemite National Park. In gathering information about these trees I discovered scientists believe the oldest specimen alive today is about 3,500 years old...
Are you sketching in your journal? If not, maybe you should be. I know, you are thinking to yourself, “But I can’t draw.” Or “I can’t even do a stick figure.” Am I right? Whether you are good or bad at sketching is beside the point. The important part is the act of drawing, itself.
Drawing is good...
By Rose Moore
Master Naturalist – January 2020
One of the greatest pleasures I have in my daily outdoor adventures is discovering new things.
Just because it is winter, there is no absence of wonders to be found.
Recently, on a mild, snow - less morning, I decided to veer off my usual trails...
January is often the coldest and snowiest month of the year here in the Midwest. And sometimes it really is too cold to go out in the elements. Yes, I know last month I encouraged you to get outside but that was December and this is January and it’s a whole new kind of cold. So how do you keep your...
Dark
By Cindy Owsley
not really cold
not really warm
….. really dark
first October swim
I can’t see but
memory guides me
floating plants tickle
feet squish in mud
a fish flips
Owl hoo-ahs
Katydids katydid
Coyotes yip
cabin lights a return...
Winter is my least favorite season. In fact, I would go as far as to say I really rather dislike it. The cold, bitter winds and snow are just not my thing. So you might think this month I would just say, “Stay inside. Don’t nature journal.” You would be mistaken. You see, while I dislike almost...