Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2022

The Joys of Nature

Hello FALL! As I write my autumn greeting to you, it's blissfully cooler here in Colorado with highs in the 50s. A soft rain has been gently nurturing the landscape since early this morning. The peaceful day and the promise of fall makes me want to jump up and down with joy, just like a little kid!

As I think about the new season, transitioning from hot summer days to cool fall weather, it reminds me of how much I love nature and all that it means to me. I share this deep connection to our natural world with friends and family too. We are all part of the beautiful tapestry of life around us.

I've heard from many people lately that they wish their kids and grandchildren had more of an appreciation for nature. So with the beauty of fall here, I'd like to share a few ideas to help encourage our younger generations to step away from their screens and connect with the natural world.

For starters, being excited to explore the wonder of it all is contagious! We can each be shining examples when we're outdoors with our children and grandkids, and celebrate the beautiful fall colors. We can observe the pretty asters blooming or collect vibrant fall leaves for our scrapbook or an autumn collage.

Let's continue our nature adventures with each new season! Whether it's snowshoeing or skiing on the new fallen snow, planting a garden in the spring, or kicking off our shoes and wading in our favorite creek next summer, let's share our joy with everyone around us! ​

​Another idea is to share our enthusiasm for birds! My wonderful friend, Dawn sent me a story about Florence Merriam Bailey, a remarkable woman who was way ahead of her time. Florence was a naturalist, birdwatcher, and writer. She was one of the first ornithologists of her time to study the behavior of birds.

Because our feathered friends are so beautiful and accessible, sharing them with young people can be the beginning of a lifelong connection to nature. The book, She Heard the Birds: The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey could be the perfect gift for a munchkin in your life to nurture a special journey together of appreciating the natural world!

Let's all get outside and share our love for nature! Happy fall, dear friends!

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Conservation Corner

Ever wonder what inventive companies do with all those plastic bottles we put out with our recycling? One very useful item that's made from recycled plastic is an outdoor patio rug! I have one that is reversible and I love it! The leaf pattern is lovely. It's easy to keep clean too! 

I ordered mine online, and I've also seen these types of outdoor rugs in our local home and discount stores. Here's to making good use of recycled materials that are beautiful and useful! 

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New Painting on the Horizon

Have you ever watched a sunset and just couldn't take your eyes off because it was so magical? Or a breathtaking view of the mountains? Or vibrant fall colors? Me too! Many times, I'll see something remarkable in nature and think, "Oh my goodness, I want to share this with the world!"

I've started a new painting of just such a wonder! It's a winter scene of the mountains with the soft morning light playing off the clouds. It was an unbelievable sight that I observed before sunrise when I was on a walk a few months ago. So please stay tuned, and keep on enjoying your own special moments in nature!

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Hike at Floyd Hill

Fall is such a gorgeous time to be out with friends and family! Floyd Hill Open Space is a newly protected trail system in Clear Creek County in the foothills west of Denver. The wonderful staff and supporters of the Mountain Area Land Trust are the visionaries behind this 108-acre property.

Splash of Fall Color

View of Saddleback Mountain

This trail system is especially fun in the fall! MALT worked with multiple partners to raise funds and share access to even more hiking and biking trails. Floyd Hill now connects to other protected properties, giving nature lovers the opportunity to explore over 12,000 acres of public land and open space. Please click here for more details!

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Wishing you a gorgeous fall, dear friends of nature!

So now, I'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite memory of sharing nature with a special child? Or with someone young at heart! : ) Please leave a comment below!