The Art of Ecology
Building visual connections between people and nature.
Tag: The Art of Ecology
Herps – What are they?
Starting in late March-early April, you may notice a lot of nature centers or wildlife organizations start talking about “Herps”…. What?! Herps are the collective term for Reptiles + Amphibians. While they each have their own distinguishing characteristics, they are similar enough so that many scientists lump them together while studying or talking about them. …
March Moth Madness
March Madness is a great time to take a look at rankings, tiers, and analyze favorites of objects (such as basketball sports teams). This month though, instead of examining sports, I will be looking at an analyzing moths (who doesn’t love good alliteration) as part of the #MarchMothMadness art challenge. This art challenge was created …
Identifying Sparrows on World Sparrow Day
The temperature is warming up and the days are longer. Spring migration is ramping up and I am starting to see more birds in the edge of the woodlot behind my apartment and I hear them singing early in the morning. Some of the most common birds that I see and hear are sparrows, those …
Feathruary 2023 Art Challenge
This past month I’ve been creating art as part of the #Feathruary2023 by @MischievousRedFox on Instagram. Illustrating birds is not only fun, and a great way for me to learn more about bird identifying characteristics, and sharing the finished piece is a good way to increase appreciation and respect for the bird world. Each piece …
Public Perception & Attitudes Towards Bird Feeding
As part of my spring 2023 “Wildlife Education” course (Masters of Environmental Science through Slippery Rock University), I conducted a survey/questionnaire that was designed to examine the public’s perceptions and attitudes towards a bird feeding; a sometimes-controversial wildlife topic. Many feel strongly about why they should or should not feed wild birds. Below are the …
Viva Magenta – Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year in Nature
Hibiscus, orchids, and chrysanthemum blooms are always so vibrant and colorful. The color of these flowers are so striking, but what exactly is that color called? This year, Pantone selected Viva Magenta, a reddish hue to be the 2023 color of the year! Viva Magenta 18-750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade …
2022 Year in review
This year has had so many incredible ups and some downs, however this has been such an overall year of growth! Despite moving to a new county in the fall, the support I’ve gotten has been tremendous. Below is my year in review. Exciting News from 2022 In the early spring, I completed my intermediate …
Reflecting on the 1st Semester of my Masters in Environmental Education
While this reflection is in part a journal for myself, I also hope it provides valuable insight into a Masters in Environmental Education for others interested in pursuing those endeavors. In 2019, I became a mentor for National Geographic’s Educator Certification. I loved getting to meet educators from around the world, and helping them create …
Benefits of Birding
There are many great benefits of birding (the act of bird watching)! By collecting bird count data and adding those observations to databases, you can contribute to scientific research; helping ornithologists and wildlife biologists monitor populations and design conservation strategies! Birding also allows you to observe the natural world around you and make connections with …
Sustainable Crafts: Part III
Looking for some zero-waste holiday decorations or gifts to give? Explore all-natural and sustainable crafts below for some ideas on ways to fill your time, stimulate the mind (and hands), give to others, and create something unique this winter season! This is part 3 of my “Eco-friendly” & sustainable art projects. You can find more …
Marissa Jacobs | NatGeo Certified Educator | Photographer
