I Gave a Coyote the Yips!: Being alert counts, whether crossing a four-lane avenue or hiking in wilderness. I didn’t set out to learn about coyotes on this dreary November afternoon. But by paying attention … Continue Reading →
Go To Your Sit Spot
I have always hated homework. The idea of sitting inside pouring over a textbook never interested me. But imagine a homework assignment where you’re asked to sit and observe … Continue Reading →
Let This Happen to You!
The picture is real. But the wound is not. It is moulage (stage makeup). As part of my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training, we did a nighttime scenario. Wilderness … Continue Reading →
Tule Elk — Coming Back from the Brink
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead There is no … Continue Reading →
This Creature has Its Own Warning Label
I take a moment to lift my eyes from the ground. Mist drifts through the forest of Tanoak and California Bay. I’m surrounded by the drip, drip, of water … Continue Reading →
Walking the Trail with Words: A Conversation with a Nature Interpreter
If you enjoy communicating your love of nature to others, then you should consider becoming a nature interpreter. Nature interpreters are educators who communicate the meanings and significance of … Continue Reading →
I Pet a Rattlesnake – And Question My Life Choices
Fizz was not happy to be out of her bucket. And she made her displeasure known. The high frequency buzz of an angry rattlesnake is unmistakable once you have … Continue Reading →
A Chair with a View – The Helinox Chair Zero Backpacking Chair
This article contains affiliate links. Why I use a Backpacking Chair My butt sent me a memo. After years of squatting on logs, perching on questionable boulders, and … Continue Reading →
The Robin’s Nest – How to Identify Bird Nests
When we hike in nature, we only see the things we consider important. When I was studying to be a naturalist, each week’s guest lecturer would take us out … Continue Reading →
I Gave a Coyote the Yips!
Being alert counts, whether crossing a four-lane avenue or hiking in wilderness. I didn’t set out to learn about coyotes on this dreary November afternoon. But by paying attention … Continue Reading →
Mold on a Minute! (Video)
Mold are microscopic fungi. They are a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. But we usually don’t notice them … Continue Reading →