Perpetual Learning
It’s 9/11/2025, and the gardening season is in full swing. I was recently potting up some pepper seedlings, ready to give them a good start for the season, when I made a rather surprising discovery. Nestled right in the soil of one of my little pots was a toad! At first, I was a bit … Read more
Did you know that animals, just like us, have their own natural pharmacies? It’s a field called zoopharmacognosy, and it’s a fascinating look into how the animal kingdom interacts with the plant world. Think about it: when you’re not feeling well, you might reach for medicine cabinet. But what do animals do? Many species have … Read more
It’s a sobering thought, but a new study has revealed that more than 10,000 species are currently facing extinction. This isn’t just a number; it represents a critical moment for our planet’s biodiversity. What’s particularly alarming is that a significant portion of these critically endangered species have fewer than 50 individuals left in the wild. … Read more
Hey fellow gardeners and nature lovers! I was so excited to read about a recent win for native gardening that I just had to share. You know how much I love digging in the dirt and seeing our local ecosystems thrive. Well, there’s a story out there that really highlights why that passion matters. It … Read more
Have you ever noticed how certain landscapes just feel… different? Perhaps it’s the edge of a forest meeting a meadow, or where a freshwater river flows into the salty ocean. These aren’t just pretty views; they are ecotones, dynamic transition zones between distinct ecosystems. And as a climate scientist, I find them to be incredibly … Read more
The Matterhorn. Its iconic pyramid shape piercing the Swiss sky is instantly recognizable. But beyond its breathtaking beauty, this majestic peak offers a stark, visual lesson about our changing climate. As a climate scientist, I often look to the natural world for clear indicators of what’s happening to our planet. Mountains, with their sensitive ecosystems, … Read more