Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2023

Wildlife Conservation Around the World

Meet an inspiration! Dr. Estelle Rousselet is a veterinarian in France who is passionate about wildlife and conservation. She's dedicated her career to the connection between animals, humans, and the environment. Estelle discovered my art from a blog post on the Morris Animal Foundation website and contacted me to learn more about my work. Morris Animal Foundation funds science and important research to help animals all over the world, domestic and wild, live healthier lives.

Estelle's website, Wildlife Conservation Insights, shares her travels and research to promote animal welfare across the globe. After earning her PhD and attending veterinary school, Estelle completed her residency at the University of Florida. She received a grant from Morris Animal Foundation for her wildlife research which propelled her career in zoology and aquatic wildlife medicine. Estelle currently works as a consultant after her positions as a veterinarian at the Dublin Zoo in Ireland and the Beauval Zoo in France.

When Estelle and I connected, we shared our thoughts on the importance of preserving the natural world and protecting wildlife wherever we live. Every person can make a huge difference for the health of our planet. Gratefully receiving the many gifts provided by nature inspires us to give back through conservation efforts and help nature thrive.

It was wonderful to connect with Estelle, an intuitive researcher who is devoted to caring for wildlife. And thanks to all our friends of nature, who make the world such a beautiful place to be! 

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Conservation Corner

Autumn is the perfect time to plant native wildflowers! Even with the pending cold winter season?

I knew fall was a great time to plant trees and shrubs to help them acclimate more easily to a new home without the intense summer heat. Also fall is the optimum time to plant bulbs like iris, tulips, and daffodils. But recently I learned that fall is an excellent time to sow wildflower seeds! 

​A healthy variety of native wildflower seeds can be spread in late October to early November after a few hard frosts so they don't germinate right away. Then in the spring as the ground thaws, April showers will bring more May flowers. Plus bring more summer and fall wildflowers too!

Flowering plants and wildflowers are so important for our native pollinators. The bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds will love your awesome wildflower garden! And speaking of pollinators, I'll be excited to share my new bumblebee painting as our pretty flowers begin to bloom next season.

So yes! Fall is the perfect time to plant wildflower seeds! Check out more details at this link to Applewood Seed Company for expert guidance and an abundance of colorful inspiration! 

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Hike at Cub Creek Park

Years ago, folks with the City of Denver had the foresight to begin purchasing land in the Rocky Mountain foothills to create an extensive park system connected by incredible scenic drives. Between the years of 1912 and 1941, a grand total of 47 parks were established on 13,500 acres of land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Douglas, and Grand counties. These beautiful parks are a haven for metro residents who want to get away from the city and commune with nature. One of these special places is Cub Creek Park between Evergreen and Conifer.

The Park was a peaceful haven to explore when I hiked one of the trails over Labor Day weekend. During my stroll I came across this sweet little stream, tumbling and playing over the rocks. It was wonderful to enjoy some quiet time in this calm tranquil setting.

Now more than 100 years later since the park system first began, the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation has been established and is dedicated to ensuring these natural areas are preserved for years to come. I'm grateful for the visionaries who believed in the sanctuary of nature, and for the many devoted conservationists who continue to steward and protect these amazing places.

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Wishing you a lovely fall season filled with the beauty of nature!