Jen's Nature Lens

 "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir On more than one occasion, my beloved Dad has shared this insightful quote by John Muir, the eloquent Scottish born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. And every time I walk with nature this quote comes to remembrance due to its emphasis on the profound connection between humanity and nature.  Today, I experienced this first hand while driving back roads to avoid heavy highway traffic. Much to my delight, I drove past this lovely nature space called Patuxent Ponds Park located in Odenton, Maryland. The reflection of trees in the pond water beckoned me to come and spend some time with nature. I quickly made a mental note to stop on my way back. Upon arrival, while stepping out of my car, my first thought was, Wow! this place is an absolute gem!  Since I didn't have my journal with me, I made sure to take in a...

 "Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne  This beautiful monarch butterfly flew in front of me yesterday while I was walking on a nature trail at Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland. Quietly, I stood watching it for a few minutes as it fluttered from one milkweed flower to the next. These unique clustered flowers bloom throughout the summer months in North America. Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies larvae (caterpillars) because they feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.  Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar "Embrace change, for it is the path to personal growth and transformation." Bumble bees are important, efficient pollinators of milkweed and they were busy accessing the nectar of these pretty pink, fragrant flowers alongside the monarchs. A couple of times I saw a hovering bumble bee flit out of the way when graced by delicate butterfly ...

 Today in the northern hemisphere, we welcome the summer solstice, known as the longest day and shortest night of the year. The sun is at its highest point in the sky because the earth's northern pole is at an axial tilt of 23.5-degree, and is at its closest point from the sun. Here in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, on Friday, June 20th, the summer solstice will arrive at 10:42 p.m.  Willow Oak Tree (Quercus phellos) "One way of celebrating the Solstice is to consider it a sacred time of reflection, release, restoration, and renewal." ~Sarah Ban Breathnach Around 6:30 p.m. this evening, I arrived in Pasadena for a mindful nature walk. The first thing I noticed when I stepped onto the park trail was the sound of black crows cawing into the air and as I walked closer to the area, I spotted the crows perched on Sweet Gum trees known by their prominent star shaped leaves. Maybe the crows were having a quarrel or they could have been cheering on the jet skiers p...

 "A walk in nature walks the soul back home." ~Mary Davis   These very words came to mind yesterday as I hiked along the trails of Calvert Cliffs State Park located in Lusby, Maryland. When I arrived around noon it was a pleasant 66°f with sunshine and a light breeze. Much of the Red Trail is tree lined and provides ample shade with a few open sky views alongside protected wetlands to and from the beach. Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach Pink Mountain Laurel blossoms brightened the landscape as turtles sunned on logs surrounded by water lily pads and their blooms. Bird songs and frog croaks filled the air with nature's praise. It was an absolute delight to the senses!  Mountain Laurel Blossoms Eastern Painted Turtle Spending time in nature offers many benefits for our health. Nature provides for us holistically as it nurtures our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Outdoor green spaces can be found in cities, towns, gardens, rural farms, parks, zoos, and botanical a...