Nature Notes ~ Spring 2019

Bright Beautiful Spring Greens!

Happy spring! The first little sprouts of the season are such a welcome and hopeful sight, in the midst of dry leaves and grasses that blanket the young plants as the sun warms the soil. The first-to-bloom spring wildflowers are beginning to peek out. Trillium, spring beauties, and violets will soon awaken our senses on a morning walk along the trail. Daffodils, crocuses, and tulips will brighten the landscape in our gardens, too. And bright yellow dandelions will be here soon!

What? Dandelions? Yes! These little bundles of joy are a welcome sight to my eyes. The bees love them, too! Dandelions look like little suns with their petals extending out just like rays of light. I'm sure these sweet flowers don't know they are "weeds" to some folks. They just share their happy yellow faces and vibrant color with everyone! (Click on the photo to see this cutie close up.) Welcome back, sunshine dandelions!

What are the signs of spring you look forward to each year? Is it the chorus of spring peepers? The tune of your favorite songbird? Ice-out on the lake? A beloved wildflower blooming? Please share in the comments below!

May you enjoy the magical spring season! In joy, just like the happy blooms all around us!

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Brand New Image!

It was still pitch black outside and I was doing my best to stay warm. There we were, nature lovers and birders, huddled in the viewing trailer…waiting. We met up at 4:00am to carpool to the site, and if we were lucky and quiet enough, hopefully we’d catch a glimpse of this very rare bird. After what seemed like forever, the sun finally began to peek over the ridge. The light created sparkles of color on the dew-covered sage. Off in the distance, I thought I heard the mating call, and then I was able to see them through the scope! So exciting!

​I had signed up for a field trip with Sisk-a-dee, an organization led by Dr. Patrick Magee focused on protecting the endangered Gunnison sage grouse and its habitat.

​“Sisk-a-dee” is a Shoshone word for this grouse which is a Native American symbol for “the rhythm of life”. One of my good buddies, a gifted and wise healer, shared with me how the presence of grouse is believed to help us open to the natural flow and energy of life. How inspiring!

In nature, many sage grouse populations are in decline due to many factors, including loss of habitat and invasive species introduction. I learned from Dr. Magee that power lines along roadways allow new predators to move in that didn’t exist in the sagebrush “forests” before, such as raptors which impact grouse populations. Before power lines and man-made structures, sagebrush and willows were the tallest vegetation in these ecosystems. Now, we need to protect sage grouse and their homes from additional disturbance.

As you view this painting, see the two males in their elaborate courtship dance to win over the beautiful hen nearby. See five more grouse who are one with the sagebrush forest. Let’s preserve this special habitat and keep huge swaths of wild places…wild; in balance and harmony, and in tune with the rhythm of life.

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Conservation Corner

Save energy by packing unused space in your freezer! Recently I read about a neat little trick for those of us ​who often don't have full stocked freezers. We can still be energy efficient by using up space with rolled newspapers and old magazines. You can also use containers filled with water or ice cube trays of course! 

Then when you open the freezer door and cold air escapes while letting warm air in, there's less room for warm air in a full freezer. Plus more frozen items cool the warm air quicker. This keeps your freezer from having to run more often to stay cold = less energy used! How cool! ​

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Springtime Walk Along Cherry Creek

I walk along Cherry Creek almost every day. It's an open space and trail system that connects two state parks to other parks and natural areas around Denver metro and its suburbs. For me, this trail is a lifeline to what lifts my spirits and nurtures my soul...

In the spring, I'm in tune with each new arrival, whether it's hearing a robin sing to welcome a brand new day. Or seeing the first little sprouts poke through the soil (or snow!) Or smelling the first rain shower after a long, chilly winter.

​It's a season to celebrate! Hooray for spring and new beginnings! And peek-a-boo little sprouts! ​

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Annual Earth Day Drawing!

Enter the Annual Earth Day Drawing  by April 10, 2019 for a chance to win a free print! The winner of the drawing can choose any print from this page. Shipping is also included to an address in the continental US!

To enter, click here to send me your name and email. In the comment box please type, "Annual Earth Day Drawing 2019". Last year, Bonnie from Los Angeles won and chose the One Life One Home print. If you entered and did not win last year, you're automatically entered in the drawing for 2019.

The winner will be announced by email in celebration of Earth Day!

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The First Signs of Spring

What are the signs of spring you look forward to each year?

• Is it the chorus of spring peepers?
• The tune of your favorite songbird?
• The return of hummingbirds?
• Ice-out on the lake?
• Mud season?
• Baby ducks swimming all in a row?
• Preparing the soil for your vegetable garden?
• Or seeing a beloved wildflower blooming?

​Whatever it is, please share in the comments below! The more we share our appreciation for nature, the happier our planet will be! : )