Nature Notes ~ Summer 2026

​Fun Summer Times

Hello summer! Somehow it feels like it's been here for months because we never really had much of a winter here in central Colorado. Except for a couple of light snows, it was fairly dry too and the warm weather stuck around all winter. 

I'm glad the mountains and foothills have received some rain showers lately so the plants and trees are happy and healthy. Now that summer is here, 'tis the season to get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and our lovely natural world!

Whether it's paddling around the lake with a friend on a floating swan, canoeing and peeking at the aquatic life below, dipping our toes in a nice cool stream, or going for a quiet walk in the woods, I wish you a fun and relaxing time out in nature this summer! Enjoy!

Peace and good times,

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Conservation Corner

The hummingbirds have arrived! To help our small jewel-colored friends thrive this season, let's make sure we give them the very best food in their feeders. ​According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and All About Birds websites, it's fine to buy hummer food at a reputable garden or wild bird store as long as it's a high-quality commercial mix and there's NO artificial coloring added. I posted this in Nature Notes a few years ago, and thought it was a good reminder to share again.

You can also make your own hummingbird food from pure cane sugar. Beet sugar is acceptable, too. It's very important not to use any other type of processed sugar or honey or artificial sweeteners. Also as noted for commercial types, please do NOT add any food coloring to your home-made hummer food. The bright colors on feeders are enough to attract our little friends and food coloring is harmful to them. For more info and sage advice, here are links to check out for The Hummingbird Society and All About Birds. Have a wonderful time enjoying our magical feathered friends!

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Winner of the Earth Day Drawing!

The winner of this year's Earth Day drawing is Ross from Ohio! Ross is a devoted conservationist who has spent more than 30 years preserving and stewarding the natural areas of the Midwest through his land protection work with one of the largest international conservation organizations. The print Ross chose was Home for Bison because it reminds him of his roots in Oklahoma and the image brought back many fond memories.

Congrats, Ross! Thank you for all your amazing work over the years to preserve our beloved natural world!

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Nature Walk at Buffalo Creek

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​I went for a lovely nature walk a few days ago and enjoyed it thoroughly as always. Part of the trail is right next to Buffalo Creek, a sweet little stream where it's wonderful to sit and relax for a little while and have lunch.

The Creek has a pretty sound as it playfully flows and trickles over the stones. I could have stayed there for hours listening to nature's light-hearted music to brighten the day and lift our spirits! So restorative and refreshing!

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Here's to a terrific summer, nature friends!

Please leave a comment below. I always love hearing from you!