For the past two years, I have been photographing two meadows at Tyler State Park, in Newtown PA, as part of a long-term project run by Bucks County Community College (BCCC). These select meadows are in the process of becoming ideal pollinator habitat! Native plant and wildflower seeds were sown, invasive species were removed, and… Continue reading Tyler State Park Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project – A Reflection
Tag: science
#ReadABookDay
Did you know that September 6th is National "Read a Book Day"? This is exciting to me! Honestly, I have gained so much knowledge by reading books (granted - not ones assigned for reading assignments in high school or college...) about nature, animals, and ecology, so I wanted to share them with you! If you're… Continue reading #ReadABookDay
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… Continue reading How often do you bathe…. forest bathe?
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… Continue reading Doctor Fish, Sulfur Water, and More – all at Vouliagmeni Lake!
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… Continue reading Soooo… You may have noticed I love the ocean! Why might that be?
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… Continue reading How much water is ACTUALLY available for our use?
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… Continue reading Of Being a Christian AND Scientist – A look at God’s hand in nature.
It’s Winter. What is still growing beneath our feet?
Typically, we think of winter as a time for plants and animals to go dormant and settle down. Really there are hundreds of thousands of organisms growing during these cold, wet, dreary months! During the winter, we can go out and see so many different types of (drum roll, please…) - FUNGUS! Did you know… Continue reading It’s Winter. What is still growing beneath our feet?
Beautifully painted sunrises are simply “Leftover” Skies
Recently, I’ve been waking up to some strikingly vivid sunrises. Unfortunately, by the time that I see the sunrise, get my camera, half stick my boots on and dash into the snowy backyard, the colors have lost much of their vibrancy. How do the colors disappear so quickly and what causes them to be there… Continue reading Beautifully painted sunrises are simply “Leftover” Skies
Why do we always see purples and reds in plants, yet rarely blue?
Winter is here and it makes me miss the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and fall. I personally LOVE yellow. I love Sunflowers, Coreopsis, Daisies, Goldfinches, and Blue-Ringed Octopus. I’m not super picky though. I just love color! I love Butterfly Weed, Zinnia, Hibiscus, Purple Beautyberry, Cuttlefish, Common Sea Dragons, Giraffes… the list can go… Continue reading Why do we always see purples and reds in plants, yet rarely blue?
