Fungi

When you hear the word “fungi” you probably think “mushrooms.” Yet it also includes molds, yeasts, and toadstools – any number of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter of which there are approximately 1.5 million different species. They are … Continue reading →

Biodiversity Day

This Friday is the International Day for Biological Diversity. It is a day to celebrate the amazing diversity of life on Earth. It is also a day to raise awareness of biodiversity loss, as scientists estimate that 25% of plants … Continue reading →

Woodpeckers

We usually hear woodpeckers before we see them – the rapid peck, peck, pecking on a tree or utility pole or house. Lately I’ve heard a lot of woodpeckers (ah, spring!) and I always stop to see if I can … Continue reading →

Dandelions

‘Tis the season: the birds are singing, the days are longer and warmer, and flowers bloom. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses get most of the attention, but I happen to favor dandelions. They are like the underdog of the flower world. … Continue reading →

Sage-Grouse

Across the West male sage-grouse are strutting their stuff hoping for the opportunity to mate. And it is quite a spectacle to behold. Male sage grouse gulp a gallon of air and hold it in a pouch in their esophagus. … Continue reading →

Picture Book Debut

I’ve devoted this blog to celebrating nature and the environment, but today I’m going to digress for a different kind of celebration: the debut of my picture book, The Fort (Page Street Kids)! It is certainly an unusual time to … Continue reading →

National Dolphin Day

What else do you have going on tomorrow, April 14? Celebrate dolphins! One of my favorite things to do is to sit on the beach with my aunt and watch the dolphins. Better yet, when possible, we love to take … Continue reading →

Sea Cucumber Poo

Because we all need a diversion now, I’m going to talk about sea cucumber poo. An unlikely topic, for sure, but quite fascinating! Sea cucumbers are, in and of themselves, interesting creatures. Unbelievably, there are over 1,200 species of them … Continue reading →

Western Meadowlark

I finally heard a meadowlark. On one of my essential runs, keeping an appropriate distance from others engaging in their own essential activities, I heard it. Just one. Perched impossibly atop a stalk of prairie grass, it was signing its … Continue reading →

Tardigrades

Let’s talk about tardigrades. Also known as water bears, they are an average 1 mm in size. Yet despite their size, they are among the hardiest organisms on Earth. To start, this micro-animal has survived all five mass extinctions. Yes, … Continue reading →