Jen's Nature Lens

 "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Since childhood, walking in the woods has always been a meditative experience that calms my mind while simultaneously heightening my senses to the sights, smells, and sounds unique to woodlands. My home in the Eastern United States is located in the temperate deciduous forest biome. We have four distinct seasons with cool winters, warm summers, and resplendent autumn leaves that fall away only to be replaced with lovely buds and blossoms come spring. Whether or not one lives near a forest, thriving woodlands are essential for the health and well-being of life on earth. Walking along trails surrounded by trees has a way of speaking to the soul that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.  All of creation is filled with wonders that testify to the glory of God through an abundant display of natural beauty. The forest ecosystem provides natural habitat for various species of trees, plant...

 "Conservation can be defined as the wise use of our natural environments; it is, in the final analysis, the highest form of national thrift- the prevention of waste and despoilment while preserving, improving, and renewing the quality and usefulness of all our resources." ~ John F. Kennedy, U.S. President January 20,1961- November 22,1963  Anticline Pond Lake Pueblo State Park  Colorado, USA Conservation begins with a proper understanding of our natural resources. To gain a proper understanding of what is required to conserve natural resources, we can begin by developing key concepts of classification by answering the following four questions: 1. What are natural resources?  A natural resource can be defined as a material of nature to which people have assigned value such as timber, fresh water, wildlife, and fossil fuels coal and oil. 2. What is a renewable natural resource?  Renewable natural resources can be replenished naturally or with human effort, such a...

"We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plants and animal life and to care for none of these things." ~Charlotte Mason, British Educator 1824-1923 Bumble Bee on a Garden Cosmos Flower If we are all meant to be naturalists, then we need to know what one is. Certainly, Charlotte has given us the idea that we are surrounded by the marvels of the natural world which are meant to be explored and interacted with for our learning. Nature holds a treasure chest of wonders awaiting our observation and discovery.  Cattails Bordering a Pond Here are some common answers to the question, what is a naturalist?  A naturalist may be... an expert in natural history a person who adopts philosophical naturalism a person who studies natural history one who studies the natural world Being families with Charlotte's writings on this topic, I'd say she had the latter answer in mind. For simplicity's ...

  "All children need nature. Not just ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not only those children of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child." ~Richard Louv Milkweed Pod and Floss (Asclepias eriocarpa) Keeping a nature journal is a great way to learn more about the world in which we live. A journal allows you to creatively record detailed observations through writing and drawing. These can be kept for future reference, or as a work of art to treasure.  From personal experience, nature journaling significantly boosted my appreciation of the natural world by showing me how important it is to respect and protect the environment. Because everything in life is interconnected, observing nature draws our attention more deeply into the wonder and beauty of it all. Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) and Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Euchaetes egle) Nature study adds enrichment to homeschool curriculum by enhancing out-of-doors educational adventur...

 "Not humans, but birds often experience the most beautiful mornings in the world!" ~Mehmet Murat Ildan American Robin  (Turdus migratorious) In the northern hemisphere, April is the perfect time of year to go on birding walks. The newly returned birds will be energetic, and full of song as they build nests, lay eggs, and raise broods. Early morning is ideal for bird watching and nature study, preferably a walk through the woods, or along field edges near thickets. Varied bird activity is commonly found near water sources like rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, creeks and the seashore. Mallard Ducks  (Anas platyrhynchos) Adding a water feature to your property, especially a running water fountain will attract numerous birds. See my post on  Landscaping for Wildlife  for additional ideas. For the best birding educational experience, it is important to go in a small group and keep it as quiet as possible. Successful bird observation requires attentive listening. It is...

 "Conservation is at the heart of all gardeners who work alongside nature and allow their backyard to become a wildlife habitat." ~Homegrown Herb Garden Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexipus) on Milkweed (Asclepias) Do you enjoy observing nature, listening to birds sing, and watching the graceful wings of a butterfly as it feeds on the sweet nectar of flowers? If so, then landscaping for wildlife will add beauty and purpose to your property, Wildlife habitat is greatly reduced as human communities continue to develop the land for housing, shopping, and recreation. This causes wildlife species to seek new sources of habitat where they can live and thrive. Wild Raspberries (Rubius idaeus) Even the smallest of properties can be enhanced to benefit wildlife. You can make your property wildlife friendly by adding simple components such as native plants, water sources, and feeders. The four basic need of wildlife are: Space Food Water Shelter Space to live and multiply. Each species h...

 "To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed." ~ Theodore Roosevelt The importance of preserving healthy natural spaces cannot be understated. They bring so much value to communities and provide wildlife with natural habitat. With continual housing and business development in populated areas, people are seeking parks and natural spaces for recreation and relaxation. There is nothing quite like a quiet walk in nature to soothe the mind and calm down the nervous system. Nature preserves provide protection for native plants and animals that may otherwise lose their home due to environmental factors. Wetlands in particular offer economic benefits by helping to protect communities against flooding and shoreline erosion as they buffer land from storms. Water...

 "It is time for us now as a nation to exercise the same reasonable foresight in dealing with our great natural resources that would be shown by any prudent man in conserving and widely using the property which contains the assurance of well-being for himself and his children." ~President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) Sandy Point State Park Maryland, USA  Leave No Trace  is a non-profit organization that provides science-backed education, training, and resources for youth and adults. We all can learn evidence-based environmental stewardship practices and practical ways to share this knowledge with others, so we can protect and enjoy the natural world together.  Turning Knowledge into Action- "We inspire responsible outdoor recreation, research, and partnerships, all centered around our 7 principles. Guided by evidence-based research, these principles help minimize human impact on nature. Learn from our dedicated scientists or enhance your skills by exploring our com...

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." ~John Muir  Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) Maryland, USA Nature First is the Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography to "Help conserve the places we love and photograph through wise use, education, outreach, community, and research." The Nature First Principles are: Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. Use discretion if sharing locations. Know and follow rules and regulations. Always follow  Leave No Trace  principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. Actively promote and educate others about these principles. If you'd like to make a difference. Take the pledge. Join the movement... Membership is free and you can add yourself to the member directory. To learn more and create an account, please visit the website at: Nature First P...