Tag: The Art of Ecology

Reflecting on the 1st Semester of my Masters in Environmental Education

grant prospectus sample_TheArtofEcology_MJacobs_graduate 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 …

A Behind the Scenes Look at my Studio

Life has changed a lot for me recently and my focus with The Art of Ecology has become more focused and purposeful. By combining creative, hands-on endeavors with environmental science, I can facilitate a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment in others. I do this through informal environmental education online, through social media, …

A Disappearing Understory and the Deer Causing it

This juvenile deer watched my every move, but was still desperate enough to keep eating despite my presence. If there's food, the deer will come!

Where I used to live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you could go into a soothing forest, yet only see trees. You should see trees, yes, however you shouldn’t ONLY see trees! In this area, the land was disturbed and cleared for agricultural purposes. Now, many field properties are transitioning and going through succession into forests. …

Birdtober Art

Bald Eagle Birdtober mixed media art

Birdtober (#Birdtober2022) is an art challenge made by @AHolmesArtStudio on instagram to follow along, learn more about the great diversity of both birds and the art styles of people all around the world! While I went with the overall themes of the prompts, I didn’t draw the exact species, deciding to draw the same genus, …

Scientific Illustration Step-by-Step

Scientific illustration may seem daunting at first, however there are some great reasons to try your hand at it! First, as you draw, you are forming new pathways and connections in the brain. Secondly, each time you draw a piece, you are making some in-depth observations about it and may learn something new about the …

Coffee Ice Cream, but without the Coffee Beans!

Caffeine, while very helpful to wake people up in the morning, however when used in excess, it can have some pretty harmful side effects. Personally, caffeine doesn’t impact me the way it does for most people (a blessing and a curse since I can enjoy a cup of coffee at night, but can’t use it …

Brush up on Tree Leaf ID in time for Fall Foliage Week

sassafras fall foliage for fall foliage week

Did you know that the last week of September is National Fall Foliage week? As the season changes from late-summer to early autumn, we start to see the impacts of less light and cooler temperatures on the trees around us. Many are turning from green to red or yellow, and they are stunning! As we …

Marine Ecosystems & Their Connection to Land

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 …