Nature Notes ~ Spring 2021

Sparkling Good Vibes

The Hidden Messages in Water, a book by Japanese scientist, Masaru Emoto, shares important insights about positive energy and what it can do for the healing waters of the Earth. From the book's introduction, "Using high-speed photography, Dr. Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them."

"He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors."

The research shows how we can change molecules of water by sharing good thoughts and feelings of appreciation, happiness, and peace. We can positively impact the streams, rivers, lakes and oceans in our communities while creating a healthier planet. Count me in!

This makes sense to me! There's a similar and well-known concept with plants. Those that receive kindness and live in a happy environment are healthier and grow faster. That's why some people talk to their flowers and plants. They respond to the energy around them!

These crystals are beautiful examples of Dr. Emoto's work. And here's a link to explore more about this cool science, and how good vibes can impact the water in our neighborhoods and all over the world!

Sharing so much love for nature,

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New Trout Painting!

​Do crayfish, trees, and other river life miss the trout when they’re gone? Ecologists, wildlife biologists, and naturalists are discovering that plants and animals know and feel way more than we ever imagined.
 
In the late 90s, I attended a Nature Conservancy Board of Governors event with trustees and staff from the state office, as well as those from the national office in Arlington, Virginia. I was part of the staff in Ohio and my job was on the ground stewardship of our preserves and natural areas. The annual meeting was a way to celebrate TNC's conservation success from the previous year with volunteers, donors, and trustees.
 
During the event, a presentation by keynote speaker and author, Barry Lopez, made a huge impact on me. He spoke about people’s deep connection to nature and on a more personal note, his connection to the river near his home in the Pacific Northwest. He said he missed it when he was away. He missed the river, the birds, and he missed the salmon. Mr. Lopez asked the audience, “Do the salmon miss ME when I’m gone?” He smiled.

​Full circle back to my painting, Home for Greenback Cutthroat Trout. The image highlights two worlds at once. New spring leaves dangle over the pristine water as sunlight sparkles on the surface of the creek. Then we see beneath, two trout peaceful in their native home. Rays of golden light shimmer on the edge of shadows created by their sleek bodies. The rare fish leave signs of their presence as they glide through the current, at one with all that surrounds them.
 
When we’re away from our favorite stream or river, do the fish miss us when we’re gone? 

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The greenback cutthroat trout is the Colorado State Fish and is listed as threatened, due primarily to habitat loss and aquatic pollution. Land managers and conservationists are testing various ways to increase greenback populations throughout their natural range. If you'd like to see some of these beauties up close, both Bear Creek Nature Center and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo near Colorado Springs have awesome exhibits of greenback cutthroat trout. (Clink on the links in green for more information!)

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Conservation Corner

On the subject of aquatic systems, the streams and rivers near Denver, and I'm sure in many cities and towns across the country, could sure use a good dose of healing energy! During the winter, snow removal crews use tons of salt and other chemicals on our roads and sidewalks. Here in my neck of the woods, they dump this crapola even when there's less than an inch of snow!

Road salt or sodium chloride, ends up getting washed into our waterways from snowmelt, impacting ecosystems and water quality. Many communities are looking for alternatives to this nasty stuff. A consortium of organizations, including Paul Smith's College in the Adirondacks where I used to live, is coming together to find ways to reduce road salt pollution. During spring run-off, the deluge of these damaging chemicals can kill fish, mayflies, and totally degrade aquatic systems.

There are new alternatives to road salt being tested around the nation such as beet wastewater left over from sugar beet processing, cheese brine, potato juice, and even pickle juice! Some cities and towns are also testing solar panels, plus more effective ways to use road salt to limit the amount that enters our waterways.

Learn more about how we can stop this pollution from harming our wetlands, rivers, lakes and streams at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies website. (Click on link in green.) Let's take positive action and share good vibes with the natural waters near our homes!

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 Walk Along Cherry Creek ​

This section of Cherry Creek is further south than where I used to walk, and lovely with its big, old cottonwoods, smooth red willows, and golden cattails. Small clumps of green grasses are beginning to show in some places with the promise of longer days and warmer weather ahead.

I like this part of the trail because the creek opens up and feeds shallow wetland areas. In the summer, I like to sit peacefully by the water and listen to the playful flow. Awhile back I even saw a pair of wood ducks which was really neat and different from the resident mallards who usually keep me company.

As spring begins to blossom, the blackbirds, flickers, and woodpeckers are starting to sing along the creek. Birds are fluttering about looking for nesting spots and materials to collect. It's such a wonderful, inspiring time of year! In the spirit of newness, I hope the season brings you so much joy. And here's something else to celebrate! Just around the corner on March 22, is World Water Day!

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Annual Earth Day Drawing!

The Annual Earth Day Drawing in almost here! On April 22, I'll draw a name for this year's winner of a free print! So far we've had lucky folks from California, Maine, and Colorado. I'll announce the winner on Facebook in celebration of Earth Day! I'll also include a big congratulations in my summer newsletter. Everyone who receives Nature Notes is entered in the drawing as a thank you for bringing love for nature and my art into your world! 

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Wishing you a pretty spring, friends!

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Was there something specific that inspired you?
​Please leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!