The Art of Ecology
Building visual connections between people and nature.
Tag: trees
Interpreting Tree Rings
We know that in looking at a tree slice, we can count the rings to tell the age, but did you know that we can learn a LOT more than just age from the rings? What are Tree Rings? When you cut a slice of tree, you are left with what’s called a Tree Cookie. …
Brush up on Tree Leaf ID in time 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 …
Colors of Autumn – Celebrating Fall Foliage Week
Last Sunday marked the start of a colorful time of year – the start of Fall Foliage Week! While Summer is definitely my favorite season climate-wise (put me in warm, dry heat ANY day and I’ll be a happy girl!!!), Autumn holds a special place in my heart since I love all things colorful! What …
An Ecologist’s View of Dubai
Upon being asked to speak at a Global Leadership Summit in Dubai, UAE about photography and using it to tell a visual story, I immediately got excited. Of course I would want to do that! Not only would I be speaking at the conference, but I was also to be the event photographer. This gave …
What Have Forests Done for You?
Growing up in the Pocono’s, my entire childhood was spent immersed in the woods. I built little tree forts, explored the ephemeral streams that wound through the leaf litter, and climbed the tallest cliffs and boulders dotting the Pennsylvanian forest. As an excitable human with a child’s heart and great imagination, forests mean adventure! As …
TreeHugger – Yup, That’s Me and Here’s why!
There are so many reasons to love trees beyond “they look nice”. Even hugging trees has it’s benefits (click here for more information on getting immersed in forests). Here are my top reasons for getting excited about trees: Provide Oxygen – You know, the stuff we breath! We inhale oxygen (O2), and exhale Carbon Dioxide …
Malacology – A funny word for a funny group of animals.
While we may first think of these tiny creatures as garden pests, snails are very important members of the ecosystem and should be valued! Snails eat leaves – yes, they do like leaves in your garden – but their favorite food is rotting vegetation and fungi. Sometimes they will also ingest soil in order to …
Everyone can be a scientist – Here’s how!
Not everyone who likes science, or finds it fascinating, is a scientist – and there’s nothing wrong with that! Science makes up the world around us, from the animals, to the microorganisms, and how they all interact with their environment, to how our own human lives work! I have a science degree and loved my …
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 …
