How often do you bathe…. forest bathe?

Have you ever bathed in sunlight? Doesn’t it make you feel great, no matter your previous mood? There’s actually a scientific reason for this improved mood – spending time outside in nature is proven to increase general health and well-being; physically and mentally! For years, the Japanese have been studying the effects that nature has …

“Heart & Soul” – a Photo Project Looking at Animal/Habitat Relationships

As a Conservation Photographer who finds the interconnection of life fascinating, I try to reflect that passion in my work. I created my “Heart & Soul” project to depict this interconnection. The Heart and Soul Photo Project shows the blend of an animal and it’s ideal habitat, or where the animal’s heart and soul belong, …

Doctor Fish, Sulfur Water, and More – all at Vouliagmeni Lake!

Recently, my husband and I went on our honeymoon to Greece! As both of us are in the environmental field (he’s an arborist – or Tree Doctor), we were both very excited to experience a new ecosystem! Yes – that is what we were excited for. Yes – we are nerds. One of the best …

Soooo… You may have noticed I love the ocean! Why might that be?

Fun fact for the day – Did you know that my name, Marissa, means “Of the sea” in Latin? I have fond memories of going to the beach with my parents and jumping waves with my dad. I walked along the beach; fascinated by shells. As an elementary school student, I remember going to aquariums …

Pollinator Week 2018

Pollinators, the little critters that are responsible for providing us with roughly one-third of our food, are in trouble. Their populations have been declining for years, so 11 years ago, the US Senate designated a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” to help raise awareness and address this issue. To find a Pollinator related …

How much water is ACTUALLY available for our use?

It’s nearing summer and a lot of us are thinking about making our gardens beautiful, bbq-ing, and heading to the beach or pool! What do these all have to do with nature? They all consume an extraordinary amount of water – something that is a valuable resource! Yes, water naturally recycles itself through the water …

Of Being a Christian AND Scientist – A look at God’s hand in nature.

As a Christian, I find God’s creation absolutely amazing. In fact, this is why I started my studies in biology and science in the first place and guess what – I can see God’s hand at work in all of nature, life, and yes, science. In Job 38-39, God humbles Job by explaining to Job …

If you’re into gardening or just being out in nature, chances are, you enjoy flowers! Their vibrant colors, textured foliage and sweet fragrances are pleasing. In fact, it’s not just flowers that you like by many other plants including fruits and vegetables! Without pollinators like birds, bats, bees, butterflies, moths and other insects, these beautiful, …

Snakes are wonderful for so many reasons! I can see it, some of you are thrilled by this and others…. not so much, but yes – snakes are good, even if they’re not your cup of tea. Snakes don’t have to be your favorite animal for you to realize that they play a vital role …

If you’re reading this chances are you love animals! Me too! However, as animal lovers, we need to know how to best protect and care for them, especially in the wild. Short Answer This question “To rescue or not,” is a difficult one to answer. Short answer –  if it’s human caused (ex. A bird …