Nature Notes ~ Winter 2024

Quiet. Still. Peaceful.

As we nestle into the winter months, I'm reminded of how grateful I am for our beautiful, inspiring natural world. Nature shares endless gifts with us when we stop for a moment to listen and be still. The sound of a gentle breeze through the pine and spruce trees brings calm and serenity. The playful chickadees and nuthatches sing cheerful, happy tunes as they flit from branch to branch. The new fallen snow sparkles with colors of the rainbow. How lucky we are to live in such a magnificent wonderland!

As we celebrate the new season, I'm also reminded of how deeply grateful I am for wonderful, caring family and friends whose encouragement and support mean the world. Not long ago, we lost two bright lights in our close family circle who passed away suddenly within days of each other. The past several months have been emotional and ever challenging. It seems like Mom and I have been going non-stop, taking care of so many details with little time to rest and recharge. And it's the love of family and friends, and time spent in nature that have helped us through the storm.

Now it's time to slow down, and be more gentle and easy with things. It's time to be quiet and still. Time for reflection and rest. So for the next few months, I'll be taking a break from writing Nature Notes. I'll be back in a little while though to celebrate nature and the seasons with you! In the meantime, I know we're always connected in our joyful moments on the trail and in our love for the natural world.

Thank you for sharing your inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for your wonderful appreciation of nature and her many gifts. Thank you for your continuing positive vibes.

Wishing you peaceful moments and warm hearts as we nestle into winter,

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Conservation Corner

As the chilly weather sets in, let's share some love and provide shelter for our amazing feathered friends! Many garden and nature centers have cozy bird houses to give chickadees, nuthatches, raptors, and all kinds of cavity nesters a safe and comfy place to rest and be protected from the cold and wind this winter. 

Also to enjoy nature with family and friends over the holidays, check out a community science or volunteer project near you! Audubon hosts an annual Christmas Bird Count from December 14 to January 5 this year. How cool to be out in nature, contribute to conservation efforts, AND see beautiful birds near your home! Please click here to learn more!

And finally, let's remember to support the wonderful non-profit = for-purpose organizations that are near and dear to our hearts this season. Our favorite local land trusts, conservation, and wildlife organizations do so much good in the world. Let's show our gratitude for everything they've accomplished this year and continue to do each and every day to preserve our natural world!

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Walk Along the South Platte River

​Here's to getting out and taking a walk in nature on a nice sunny day! Recently I took a little time to explore a new natural area with a good friend whom I haven't seen in a long time. The South Platte Park is 880 acres of open space along the lazy South Platte River. When we were there, the prairie plants were dormant, but still pretty as a picture in their soft golds, browns, and greys.  

The trails in the Park follow along the river and around several small lakes and ponds. At the trailhead, the Carson Nature Center teaches folks about native plants and wildlife that live in this prairie and riparian ecosystem. On the schedule were some unique and educational events! In December, they have a meteor shower party, holiday nature walks, a solstice sunset hike, and a few birding adventures too. Click here to learn more!

​During our walk to explore the Park, we were lucky enough to spot a Bufflehead, a species of duck that was migrating from Canada to the southern U.S. to spend the coldest winter months. You can see the little guy where the river starts to narrow in the picture below. It was really neat to watch him bobbing along, diving for little invertebrates, and having a good ol' time! (Click on the photos to enlarge.)

So here's to getting out and exploring new trails this winter! And familiar treasured places too! I'm wishing you many fun times enjoying the meadows, rivers, forests, and wildlife all around us!

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May the love of nature wrap you in its warmth and beauty always.

"Let us be gentle with everything on the Earth.
Let us count as friends the land and sky, the flowers, the waters, 
and all the creatures that live."
​~ Indian Proverb

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