Animal tracker, Nature Camp instructor, naturalist and environmental educator, Kathy Jenkins, posted this on her Facebook page recently... a little inhabitant in her garden that reminds us that this backyard of ours is habitat, first, for many other living things. Like this long-toed salamander. (And friends.) The Long-toed Salamander is a slender salamander, about 8.5 … Continue reading Seasonal observations: long-toed salamander
The air is sharp and sweet with the scent of cottonwood these days. Spring has “come on” so quickly that I’ve missed the window of time for making Balm of Gilead this year but I collected the sticky remnants of the buds anyway. This wonderfully scented oil is easy to make and I like to … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Balm of Gilead
Yesterday, Polek played on some new rocks, and managed to capture this self-portrait while he was at it. Feel the seasons shifting.
They are such a stereotypical sign of spring but they never fail to catch my eye. I always think back to elementary school when we would gather branches full of the soft grey buds, glue them on to outlines of rabbits and cats and probably mice, then proudly pin them up on the “SPRING” wall. … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: Pussywillow
This is radical, and I mean that in the way we used to say it as kids, (excellent dude) and in the political sense, because there is nothing more empowering to individuals and communities than to reclaim our right to save and swap seeds, and not be beholden to mega-corporations who used smart lawyers and … Continue reading Seedy Saturday is coming to Pemberton, April 2, 1-4pm
The Red Breasted Nuthatch has been visiting regularly, taking one sunflower seed at a time from the feeder, then flying with that seed to another tree, where it wedges the seed in a crack. Sometimes the bird uses the grip of the tree to hold the seed in place so it can get at the … Continue reading Seasonal Observations: The Red Breasted Nuthatch
Consider this a call to action, or an invitation, from Canada's two wisest elders, David Suzuki and Margaret Atwood, to kick everyone out of the house, and start mucking about in the dirt.
A warm welcome to Connie Sobchak, who guest-blogged for us last year, and has agreed to become a regular photo of the week contributor. Here's her first! The run is a ritual that keeps me healthy but it is not just the physical activity that shapes my perspective. The spaces I trek through heal me … Continue reading Photo of the Week
Nice kitty. There are been a few bobcat sightings around the 'hood this winter, as anyone with chickens (or formerly, with chickens) can attest. This one was caught on camera strolling along Rancheree Street looking for its Valentine, by Joanne John, who kindly gave me permission to repost it here.
The Wellness Almanac 