Nature
The Masked Naturalist
Hello! During the early days of the pandemic, I had the idea of doing a project called "The Masked Naturalist". For a little background, I have worked as naturalist and environmental educator for the past five years, working primarily in Minnesota, but also spending a lot of time on the West Coast as well as the desert Southwest. I was laid off for the first six months of 2020, which meant a lot of down time, and a lot of time to go out and explore in nature. During this time I had the idea of starting a blog, a website, or something to document cool nature things I have found, noticed, or seen as I have more of an experts eye, spotting things that others may not notice when walking through the woods. I decided this would be a good idea because I often feel like outdoor education and environmental education are sometimes considered a luxury and I think all people have interest in nature, and especially in light of fake news, climate crises world wide, and many of us left wondering what will become of our wild spaces, I would start putting out cool information. I want to do this because I would like to help cultivate peoples love of nature, and to see the extremely cool side of the mundane, the things we take for granted, the things you might walk past and not notice if you were hiking through your neighborhood woods.
By Michael Harrison3 years ago in Earth
CROWN SHYNESS: A Process of Physical Distancing Among Plants
For the last few years the term physical distance or social distancing has gained considerable usage, thanks to the pandemic! It is advised to stay at least 6 feet (roughly about 2 arms' length) away from other persons both in indoor and outdoor spaces to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You will be amazed to know that the plant world has been following the norms for ages!
By Jayveer Vala3 years ago in Earth
Biological Weathering
Did you ever wonder where the soil beneath your feet comes from? The answer is rocks. Rocks become disintegrated and broken into smaller particles by a process called weathering. The elements from the weathered rocks provide nutrients for plants and animals. Biological weathering may take place either by physical or by chemicals means.
By Jayveer Vala3 years ago in Earth
TIGERS: Myths and Facts
Most people are frightened of tigers. In literature too tigers are depicted as a powerful and dreadful beast. Common misconception is that it is very dangerous and it attacks humans. Misinformation and lack of knowledge about tigers is common resulting in this fright.
By Jayveer Vala3 years ago in Earth
The Dead and Homeless: Engines of Profit
To a certain subset of our population, the fact that nearly 90,000 rent-stabilized apartments in New York City are deliberately being left vacant while the number of people sleeping in the street balloons is not a glitch. It’s a feature. It’s the point.
By Remington Write3 years ago in Earth
Best Time To Prune Residential Trees in Australia
Just like in life, tree pruning is also about timing. It doesn't matter even if you know the best pruning techniques or have the latest equipment in the market if it's not the right season yet. Some trees do well after pruning in summer. Some like it best during spring.
By Trees Down Under3 years ago in Earth
Heavy Fish
A curious fish marvels at the world existing just beyond his reflection—a body of water with strange looking heavy fish that appear to drag themselves along the floor. He spends his days studying them—trying to understand through the eyes of a fish. How can we truly understand anything, if we only see it in relation to our own reality and who sees things as they truly are?
By Andrea Hilton3 years ago in Earth
She's a Shark
The story begins on the docks of the beautiful Atlantic. A shark attack occurred for the first time in 20 years. By the time the coast guards could get involved, the head and torso of the young man only remained. One of the two coast guards jumped in the water to remove the remains. As the guard got ready to enter the boat, a shark was approaching quickly. The guard on the boat instantly shot the shark with an arrow. The shark was no longer moving, and his fin began to disappear into the water. As the guard in the water goes back on the boat, he says, “Oh boy, we better fish that shark out and get those headache pills ready, you know Mary going to have something to say.” The other guard laughs and replies, “Nets already ready, don’t need to say her name twice. We had no choice. She cannot say anything.” Once the shark was on board, they headed to shore, where Mary was already waiting.
By Jessica A. Fox3 years ago in Earth
