Podcast on nature, conservation, and sustainability available now
While I’ve been quiet on Stepping Outside for the past year (and what a year it has been), I wanted to stop by and share a new project. A Little Greener is a weekly podcast that a friend (and fellow environmental educator) and I have started to share our thoughts about nature, living sustainably, and conservation issues. Since this clearly overlaps with my blog content–and in fact, I based an upcoming podcast episode on one of my previous blog posts–I wanted to share it here for those who may be interested. Please feel free to check out our second episode below, or find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean. You can also follow us @alittlegreenerpod on Instagram or search for A Little Greener Podcast on Facebook.
Also, if you have your own nature podcast you’d like to share, or one that you already love to listen to, please feel free to share in the comments. I am new to the podcasting world, and would love to learn, grow, and develop a communnity.
I do hope to continue writing here once life settles down a bit, too. In the meantime, thanks for reading, and stay safe!
In my efforts to get outside and enjoy nature, I regularly explore the woods behind my property. I run laps around my neighborhood. I have been known to stop in the middle of the sidewalk to stare at the sky searching for a bird, or peer awkwardly at a plant, post, or wall to try to identify an insect. Aside from occasionally laughing to myself about how ridiculous I must look, I’ve never really given these things a second thought. Recent events that have occurred here in the United States, namely the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot while running through a neighborhood and the weaponization of race against Christian Cooper while he was out birding in Central Park, have led me to realize that my ability to do these things without fear is an example of privilege.
The fact that someone would be seen as suspicious, or even dangerous, simply by being present in a space with black or brown skin is truly horrifying. I wish that I were a better writer with more eloquent words to share. I wish that I knew how to be a better ally. I wish that I had more answers. I don’t have any. But I’m using the few small words I can put together. I’m listening and learning. And you can, too.
This week, a group of individuals have come together to create and celebrate Black Birders Week from May 31-June 5 on Instagram and Twitter. I am not affiliated with the organization at all, but their public Instagram account states, “Recent events have shed light on the obstacles and potential dangers Black people face while enjoying outdoor recreation. Nature is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. During #BlackBirdersWeek, we are uplifting Black birders and nature enthusiasts to show that diversity in outdoor recreation exitsts.”
You can follow @blackafinstem on Instagram and Twitter to learn more about the events taking place this week, and follow the hashtag #blackinnature to hear from some amazing individuals across STEM fields. Black lives matter. Representation matters. And nature is for everyone.
From the plastic pollution to climate change to animal extinctions, environmental issues can feel overwhelming. How do we stay positive in the face of negative environmental news? We can start by looking for the helpers.
Mr. Fred Rogers once shared a piece of advice from his mother on dealing with catastrophes. “Always look for the helpers. There will always be helpers.” Unfortunately, the helpers don’t often get much attention, but finding the helpers in our environmental crises reminds us that there is hope. Here are the stories of a few that have had an impact on me over the years.
You may have seen the headlines that scientists estimate that plastic in the ocean will exceed fish by weight by 2050. Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor, is working to change that. I first heard of him back in 2013 when I learned through my co-workers about this teenager that was going to save our oceans. Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup project at just eighteen years old. I have been following his work since then, and it has been such an encouragement to watch the progress. The organization has been developing a system that can be deployed into the ocean to collect and retain plastic on the surface of the water, and has tested two models. Although the system is not yet fully functional, The Ocean Cleanup has a goal of achieving a 90% reduction of floating ocean plastic by the year 2040. While you may find conservationists split over his approach, Slat’s creativity, passion, and determination are inspirational.
Another organization that I learned about through my work is the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Persevering through challenges such as civil unrest and the Ebola virus outbreak in 2016, the hard-working, passionate GRACE staff, made up of members of the local community, give their time and effort to provide care and a safe space for Grauer’s gorillas that have been rescued from poachers. They also work to educate the local community about this critically endangered species. Knowing that there are people like this fighting for endangered species around the globe is a huge reason to hope.
You don’t have to be a teenage prodigy or dedicating your life to the conservation of a species to be a helper, though. One of my constant inspirations (in all areas of life) is my own mother. Several years ago, she took online classes to learn about the impact of environmental issues on global health. Since then, she has sought to make changes in her own life, even making the commitment to buy a hybrid car to reduce her carbon footprint. I have friends who are actively taking steps to reduce their waste, growing their own food, volunteering their time to conservation organizations, and even starting their own eco-friendly businesses. They remind me that helpers are everywhere, doing things large and small, to positively impact our planet.
So, as Mr. Rodgers said, the next time you feel bogged down by the state of the environment, remember to look for the helpers. And, like my mother, don’t forget to be the helper, too.
What are some of your favorite conservation organizations? How do you seek to be an environmental helper? What are some other ways that you keep from being overwhelmed by environmental news? Share your thoughts in the comments!
As an introvert, self-proclaimed homebody, and a lover of routine, quarantine life has not been as draining on me as it may be for others. However, even for me, the days and weeks of sameness, isolation, and uncertainty have taken their toll. I find myself battling my own thoughts, questioning my ability to make an impact, and feeling that I am stuck in a rut in all areas of life.
Fortunately, nature provides a much-needed boost. I know this to be true for myself, but more and more evidence seems to show that this is true in general. Spending time in nature is good for us, physically and mentally. For me, even just a few minutes outside helps me to remember that there is so much beauty, even in dark times, and that we never know what joys the future will bring.
Photo and description from the Merlin Bird ID app
A few days ago, I was struggling under the weight of a tough day and missing family members that I haven’t seen in months. After feeling particularly low, I decided to take a minute to rest on my back patio. I was treated to the usual chorus of bird songs. Then a song cut through the air that I hadn’t heard before. The unfamiliar trilling call was immediately cheering on it’s own, but also awakened my sense of excitement and curiosity. Something new to explore! My bird ID apps helped me to discovery that this new caller was likely a small warbler called a northern parula. A common bird, but one that was new to me, and one that I’ll be listening for from here on out.
It sounds almost silly as I write it, but that small moment was enough to remind me that what we are going through isn’t permanent. Each day is a new day, even when it feels the same. That day, it was a new birdsong. Last night, it was the familiar, soothing sound of a thunderstorm. Today, it was taking the time to count how many robins I spotted on my afternoon run (five). None of these were extraordinary moments, but all of them were simple joys. There’s a beautiful, living, changing world right outside the door. We just have to remember to look for it.
One of my initial motivations for creating this blog was to encourage others (and myself) that exploring and appreciating nature doesn’t have to be a big production. You don’t have to climb a mountain, travel to a national park, or thru-hike the Appalachian Trail to experience the nature world (although all of those things would be amazing). It is simply about remembering to notice that bird outside your window, or maybe taking a second to appreciate those wildflowers while walking your dog.
With that thought in mind, I wanted to share my unexpected nature surprise from this evening. I went out to cut down a plant that had grown up between my deck boards (did I mention I hate yard work?), and as I pulled out one of the pieces, I met this little guy:
Now, I am no snail ID expert. I have no clue what species this is, and I don’t know anything about its natural history. I uploaded my photos to the iNaturalist app (a great tool for getting to know wildlife around you), so hopefully I’ll be able to learn more down the line. For today, it was enough to just spend a few minutes observing and enjoying an unexpected encounter.
Look closely to see the slime trail! A snail’s mucus allows it to travel on vertical surfaces or even upside down.
Did you have any fun nature moments today? Feel free to share what you saw or did in the comments. And if you happen to be a snail expert, please let me know what I found!
May the Fourth be with you! I am a huge Star Wars fan (rest assured I have been binge-watching the entire saga on Disney+ as I write), and what better day than Star Wars day to write about the stars—and the war we must fight to protect our night sky. Every Star Wars film kicks off with a shot of space—a dark expanse filled with stars. It is a sight that sparks inspiration and imagination, but is one that far too few of us can see from our own planet anymore.
A couple of weeks ago, I was enjoying the sunset from my back patio (not quite Luke’s iconic dual sunset on Tatooine, but still pretty great). As the sky darkened, I noticed the appearance of one bright star. As an aside, later research told me that this “star” was actually Venus—how cool is that? But, as the sky grew darker, I realized that I wasn’t seeing a single other star come in to view.
Venus appears in the darkening sky to the west
Now, to be fair, last night I went out in my backyard closer to midnight and was able to pick out maybe twenty or so stars. Perhaps I would have seen even more if I had stayed out longer, or if it had been a new moon. Still, it was a far cry from the 2,500 stars it is estimated we can see from earth. Living near a big city, my night sky views are less than impressive, thanks to what we call light pollution. The glow from streetlights, signs, and exterior lighting all come together to overpower the night sky, obscuring all but the moon and the brightest stars and planets.
The sad thing is that I can’t even really grasp what I’ve lost. There are fewer and fewer places where we can escape the interference of artificial lights to truly experience the majesty of a starry night. I can’t remember the last time that I was able to personally witness a sky full of stars. There are any number of reasons to help fight against light pollution (artificial light disorients sea turtle hatchlings and migrating birds, not to mention the energy costs of unnecessary lighting), but for me, the loss of stars is the loss of an opportunity to connect as a global community, be inspired by the natural world, and experience the wonder of Creation. Do you remember in The Force Awakens, when Rey finally gets off of Jakku after living her whole life on a desert planet? As Han brings the Falcon in to land on a forested planet, we can feel her awe as she says, “I didn’t know there was this much green in the whole galaxy.” I imagine I might have this same feeling stepping outside under a full night sky.
Of course, we cannot simply do away with all artificial light. The International Dark-Sky Association has a wealth of information about simple steps that individuals and businesses can take to reduce light pollution. The basic suggestions taken directly from their website include making sure that your lighting:
Only be on when needed
Only light the area that needs it
Be no brighter than necessary
Minimize blue light emissions
Be fully shielded (pointing downward)
You can head on over to their site for plenty of other specifics on the impacts of light pollution, how to pick appropriate lighting, and other ways that you can help. You can also look for good stargazing spots near you by exploring their International Dark Sky Places program.
I titled this post Fighting for the Dark Side. But in this case, fighting for darkness really is fighting for the Light: finding balance and harmony with the world around us. And, personally, I’d take a sky lit up with stars over an artificial city glow any night.
A breathtaking view Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com
How is the view of the stars from your part of the galaxy? Do you have a favorite stargazing spot? Feel free to share in the comments!
Stepping Outside 