We all know the saying, “it’s five o’clock somewhere” which usually refers to having an adult beverage well before the time it might be socially acceptable to do so. But, today, I exclaimed, “It’s five o’clock and still light out!” We are freed from the dark clutches of winter’s gloom.” Not exactly poetic but true!…
In late September I had the chance to go to the Mojave and Colorado Deserts by way of Joshua Tree National Park in California. Long a fan of and fascinated by desert habitat, I jumped at the chance to take a Hummer tour of this unique ecosystem. My 6th grade science fair project was on…
Our planet is dying. We are killing it. I am not trying to be alarmist or hysterical, I am stating what I, and others, believe to be a fact. What will it take for you to make changes in your life so that your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can live on a beautiful and healthy…
There is another butterfly for whom I provide habitat here in Wisconsin. I learned of this butterfly shortly after moving here. It is the tiny Karner Blue. The silvery blue Karner Blue has weathered the storm of federal endangerment. It was listed as Federally Endangered in 1992. But, in Wisconsin, where I believe the largest…
If you just want my book recommendations, skip to the end of the blog. If you want to know why I am recommending the books, then I guess you need to read the post! My graduate course on Environmental History is almost over. It has been a whirlwind tour of the last several centuries worth…
Fall is a beautiful time in the midwest, especially when the sun is out and the air is crisp with a touch of coolness, foreshadowing the winter yet to come. Although it has barely been forty degrees each of the last two days, I have worked outside, preparing some garden beds for winter. Yesterday, I…
To learn more, go to: The National Park Service on Effigy Mounds National Monument Iowa
Recently, I started a new graduate course for my Master’s degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation. Week one is done. Today, starts week two. There is a paper due each week. The course is Environmental History. Last week we focused on early America and how wilderness was perceived and used by those already living here…