Naturally Connected

The Complex Life of a Tree

An interesting 30 minues with David Suzuki, talking about his book Tree, A Life Story.  It gives a wonderful perspective on the ecosystem that exists around a tree.  I am always facinated to think about the events that can occur over centuries during the life span of a tree and the amazing stories that they could tell us. 

 

Nature and Wisdom Education

Great article on Nature and Education from a Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness classmate, Theodore Richards. Speaks to the need for a Wisdom Education movememt where we empower our children to become mythmakers, to tell the story of how they understand their place in the world. Starts on page 48.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/58408666/Written-River-A-Journal-of-Eco-Poetics-Vol-2-Issue-1#source:facebook

ASPCA | 2011 My Furry Valentine Photo Contest

Share the love about a dear animal companion in honor of Valentine's Day. 

ASPCA | 2011 My Furry Valentine Photo Contest.

Lemurs and Haloween

Did you know where the word lemur comes from?  According to the package on my EnviroKidz Haloween candy, Portugeuse explorers in the 1500s were scared by the howls and shining eyes of these animals from Madagascar.  They called them lemurs, an old Roman word for "spirits of the dead."  Happy Halloween.  Enjoy some organic treats!

A Life Connected

This is an uplifting video explaining how we can become more connected with animals, the earth, our air and water systems, and take action against global climate change.

A Life Connected: VEGAN from NonviolenceUnited.org on Vimeo.

First Fall Rain Brings New Life

After a the long dry summer, we had a 3-4 inches of rain in one day last week.  The brown Bay Area hills are already showing some green as a result.  My back patio has its own explosion of new life.  The pile of niger seeds and discarded sunflower seeds below the finch feeder has grown what from a distance looks like some long black animal fur.  In fact, the first time the cat saw it, he was taken aback and very hesitant as he went over to examine the strange fur on the other side of the patio.  Upon closer view, one sees some impressive spore growth.  Each day it gets taller and thicker.  Flies buzz around and get stuck amongst the sticky thick.  I rescued one with a tiny twig, but one of his legs was injured from being stuck to the mass.  
 

Decorating the Human Body with Nature

These images taken from Hans Sylvester of the Omo tribe in Ethiopia are really interesting.  Their bodies are the canvas they use to paint using beautiful items collected from their natural setting. 

Play "tag" with the birds: Be a CamClickr!

Here is something fun for birders from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You can help scientists studying breeding bird behavior.  The more that is understand about bird behavior, the better equipped we can be to understand how birds are responding to threats in their environment.  NestCams allow you to peek into the nests of Barn Owls, bluebirds, Wood Ducks, and other birds for an up-close look at fascinating bird behavior.  

Visit www.camclickr.org to create an account. This allows you to chat in the NestCam forums, tag photos, and track your stats in CamClickr anytime. You can check your rankings in “my sessions” to see how you stack up against other taggers. The redesigned CamClickr home page also provides the latest Twitter feeds. Educators will appreciate the newly developed lesson plan, appropriate for all ages, and easily modified for individualized instruction. You can watch videos of fascinating nesting behaviors from the Lab's Macaulay Library. Or for more information see the flyer below. 

CamClickr summer 2009 flyer

Reflecting on Seasonal Changes in our Lives

It is lovely to observe the seasonal activities of the wildlife around the house. This is the third year that I have been able to see the life that is supported from the persimmon tree in the back. There were only two fruits that were on branches low enough for me reach this year. All the rest help nourish a range of wildlife from many birds, to squirrels and last year I even saw racoons up in the trees.  Today when I opened my back door there were a bunch of crows feasting. 

This past week all of the leaves fell from this tree leaving the remaining bright orange fruits exposed to feast upon.  It was also the first time the temperature dropped down to the 40s at night.  Last weekend it was still warm enough to sit out on my back patio during the day, but I am not sure how many more of those days are left.  It usually takes a few weeks for all of the fruits to get eaten.  By that time we will definitely be into the winter season in Northern CA. 

Winter is a time when seeds lie still within the ground in germination.  The Native Americans reflected upon this time as when we can go inward seeking wisdom and clarity that needs to be germinated in our own lives.  I encourage you to explore the changing of the seasons and what it means to you. 

Miniature Funnel Clouds

While driving home from work one night this past week I noticed a layer of clouds low in the sky that looked like they were miniature funnel clouds.  It was a very unique sight, so I went home and picked up my camera.  I then went on search for a place where I could get a good view of the clouds, because from the ground they were hidden from view because of all of the trees in town.  Luckilly, we are not that far from a range of hills where I was able to get to a higher altitude.  By the time I made it to a good spot, the sun was going down.  The funnels were not as distinct as they had been when I first noticed them, but the color of the sunset against the clouds overlooking Mt. Diablo still made for a good shot.