Nature Notes ~ Summer 2019

Conserving Land & Water

Woohoo! Summer's here and so is field season! Time to give some extra TLC to the natural world! Years ago, when I worked for The Nature Conservancy, warmer weather was a signal to prioritize projects and get out in the field. The time was ripe for biological monitoring, stewardship activities, and long, hot work days with kindred spirits. The first few visits to the preserves were always so exciting! Seeing wildflowers in bloom and signs of animals everywhere always made me feel so connected! I knew my job of helping to conserve the natural world was much needed and very worthwhile. This work was good for my soul.

Recently I was reminded about the importance of conserving our lands and waters, especially with increasing land development in urban and rural areas. The organization Sisk-a-dee partners with the Sage Grouse Initiative, Western Colorado University, The Nature Conservancy, government agencies, as well as private landowners, to preserve sage grouse and their habitat. From restoring wet meadows so the birds can successfully raise their chicks to protecting land with conservation easements, this collective partnership is making great strides in conservation. For a good dose of inspiration, click here to read some amazing, heartwarming stories!

Please join me in celebrating their efforts and YOURS to care for the Earth and all precious life forms. Hanging a nesting box in your backyard, planting bee and butterfly-loving native plants, conserving water from your kitchen sink, reducing plastic waste; it all matters. You are making a HUGE difference for nature! Thank you!

​​Happy summer, friends. Enjoy your time out in the field this season!​ 

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New Home for Bison in Arizona!

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​I was tickled pink to hear one of my good friends from high school liked the "Home for Bison" painting. So much so, that she purchased the original which is now "home" in Arizona!

​Laura reached out not long ago and it was wonderful to hear from her after so many years. She and her husband, Tom, are true conservationists and they are all about preserving nature around their home and in the wild. Very inspiring! 

Laura with her very happy and TALL yucca plant!

Happy new home!

​In my painting, the white buffalo as one with the prairie was especially meaningful to Laura. According to Native American legend, the white buffalo symbolizes sacred life and new beginnings. Laura wrote, "It feels like home. You know, like the good old Denver plains. Driving up I-70, there was a place where they let buffalo roam free. (The painting) feels like my childhood home."

How cool that the message of new beginnings in the painting came to life in a renewed friendship with an old friend. Thank you, Laura! 

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Conservation Corner

​In Colorado where I live, it's critical to conserve water whenever we can because clean water is a priceless resource in the West. So instead of running tap water until it's cold enough to drink, why not fill a pitcher and keep it in the frig? My mom adds lemons or other fresh fruit to her water pitcher and it's so refreshing, especially on a warm summer afternoon!

​A recent wildlife study funded by Morris Animal Foundation found plastic microfibers in the stool of South American fur seals for the very first time. Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine ecosystems and other natural areas so let's ditch the plastic water bottles and containers. When you leave the house, bring your reusable bottle. It saves money and helps the environment! Click here to read the article and be wowed by these dedicated researchers funded by the Foundation!

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Let's Go Hiking!

Sometimes I get into such a comfortable pattern, and I don't feel like I can often take the time to go exploring. Well...a few days ago, I decided to venture out to a local trail called Sulphur Gulch and I was so grateful I did! It was incredible! 

The morning was somewhat cool and cloudy so even though it was a Saturday, I had the trail all to myself. As I walked east, I could hear the sounds of Sulphur Gulch and little waterfalls tumbling into pretty pools. I also saw some big, old grandfather cottonwood trees, and even some deer fairly close to town. Looking west, there were those beautiful snow-capped Rockies off in the distance.

As the morning sun began to peek out between the clouds, I saw more and more people enjoying the trail. Everyone was happy and smiling on this pretty day! Being in nature sure does make our hearts sing! I'm glad I took the time to go out and explore a new trail. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to venture out again very soon!

Happy Summer, Wonderful Nature Peeps!