We land-dwellers don’t usually consider the importance of marine ecosystems in our day-to-day lives, understandably. The times we usually think about the ocean are when we are on our summer vacations to the shore. In reality, the ways we are connected to marine life are closer than we may think. What Does the Ocean do …

Transformation: WILD ART 2021

As part of the Wild Art 2021 December Challenge, put on by Zoe Keller, I illustrated two pieces focusing on the theme, “Transformation”. Each month, I will focus on two pieces – one highlighting flora, the other highlighting fauna. This month, the first is an animal that has the unique ability to swap out the …

Prehistoric: WILD ART 2021

As part of the Wild Art 2021 August Challenge, put on by Zoe Keller, I illustrated two pieces focusing on the theme, “PREHISTORIC”. Each month, I am going to focus on two pieces – one highlighting flora, the other highlighting fauna. This month, I focused on two species, one commonly found along beaches and the …

Patterns: WILD ART 2021

As part of the Wild Art 2021 July Challenge, put on by Zoe Keller, I illustrated two pieces focusing on the theme, “Patterns”. Each month, I am going to focus on two pieces – one highlighting flora, the other highlighting fauna. This month, I focus on a specific recurring pattern of the natural world. Can …

WONDER: WILD ART 2021

As part of the Wild Art 2021 May Challenge, put on by Zoe Keller, I illustrated two pieces focusing on the theme, “Wonder”. Each month, I am going to focus on two pieces – one highlighting flora, the other highlighting fauna. There is so much about the natural world that I wonder about, marvel at, …

Challenge Yourself to a #PlasticFreeJuly (or whenever – really!)

We all have heard of (hopefully!) the #SkipTheStraw campaign and about several bans on plastic grocery bags, but there is more to reducing plastic waste than just straws, bags, and bottles! So, why should we reduce plastic use? After all, plastic is SUPER convenient! Have you heard of the Great Pacific Garbage patch? This floating …

Sand Swept and Wind Blown Plant Adaptations

It’s summertime and one of my absolute favorite things is going to the beach and getting a big whiff of salty air in the green salt marshes! I love the look of a white beach with green plants and a blue sky and ocean! It’s the best.  But how do those plants in a sandy, …

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 …