Naturally Connected

The Complex Life of a Tree

An interesting 30 minues with David Sazuki, talking about his book Tree, A Life Story.  It gives a wonderful perspective on the ecosystem that exists around a tree.  I am always facinated to think about the events that can occur over centuries during the life span of a tree and the amazing stories that they could tell us. 

 

Floating on Water

I was captivated by the small indentations in the water around each delicate leg of this skeeter bug.  It was a lovely experience just to watch him swimming around on top of the pond water.  Similarly, I have deep appreciation for the beauty of this creature's small habitat.  Look at the colorful needles of the redwood trees that have become submerged in the water being reflected by the light of the sun.  The space was so peaceful and serene that one could become immersed within the environment and loose complete track of time outside this space. 

Discovery of the Banana Slug Habitat

Last weekend I participated in a four day intensive training on Inka mysticism in Saratoga, CA.  The workshop was to prepare a group of us for a two week trip we will be taking to Peru later this summer to participate in Hatun Karpay, the Great Initiation of the Inkas.  A large part of the workshop entailed learning about the local nature spirits - how to evoke them and make offerings to them.  At one point we were asked to search the forest for a water "khuya", or power object.  I walked into the forest and down toward Todd Creek, the stream that runs through Sanborn Park.  While walking down a steep embankment toward the streem, I came across the large yellow slug.  I have never seen a slug like this before, yet intuatively I know this must be called a banana slug.  Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me at the time so I was not able to take a picture of my discovery in the forest.  I continued the search for my khuya and was hopeful that the slug would be here when I could return with my camera. 

The next day I traveled back to the same spot, hopeful that I would find the slug again.  Indeed, the slug was about two feet from where I saw it the previous day.  Through research on the Internet I discovered from Donna Hill that the habitat of the banana slug is forest floors on the West Coast of North America ranging from California up to Alaska.  One of their favorite foods is mushrooms - which makes a lot of sense given the ecosystem that they live in.  To prevent themselves from drying out during long dry periods, slugs estivate, which is like hibernation except it occurs during hot dry spells. They become inactive, secrete a mucous shield and insulate themselves with a layer of soil and leafy debris. 

I am thankful for the opportunity provided by the slug for me to get to know this creatures ecosystem.  It has a lovely, peaceful and serene home. 

Mushroom Season in Northern CA

Tis the beginning of the mushroom season in Northern, CA.  We had our first of the seasonal rains about two weeks ago.  And just this week, I noticed this large bunch of mushrooms growing just under a wodden fence in my backyard bordering on the concrete of my back patio.  Moisture and shade provide the perfect conditions for moisture to grow.  Nonetheless, I was somewhat surprised to see this bunch appear when and where they did. 

This week, I saw fresh truffles at the grocery for the first time.  No, I didn't buy one.  However, the "leading" display at Whole Foods this week, right after entering the store was a huge bin full of all types of mushrooms.

In 2003, I visited Mendocino, CA during the last week in December.  The mushrooms were plentiful at that time. 

   

Grow A Virtual Tree - Help Fund Live Tree Planting in New Orleans

In an effort to support urban reforestation in New Orleans for Earth Day, you can plant your own virtual tree using Seed Collective's interactive wireless tool called SEED.  Seventh Generation is donating $1 for every virtual tree created using the tool.  It's free to you, fun, easy and benefits both the environment and the people in New Orleans. 

First, click the grow your tree link on this page.  Then dial the number and access code on your telephone keypad to begin.  There will be some brief instructions explaining how to use your telephone keypad to create your personal tree.  Hanging up your phone ends the process.  Then you will be asked if you want to enter your email to get a copy of the tree image you created.  From the email you can link to a copy of the tree you created and then save the image to your desktop. 

Go ahead and try it. 

Arial View of US Agriculture and South American Rainforest

I enjoy flying on days that are clear enough to see the vegetation below.  While flying over the Eastern half of the US, the human imprint on the land is often significant, as seen in this image from a recent flight between Miami and Orlando, Florida.  As a photographer, it is interesting to explore the geometric plots of varrying shades of green plants to brown dirt. 

The contrasting image is from a flight into the Amazonian rainforest in Bolivia.  It is a powerful experience to fly over vast expances of rainforest  with no signs of human encroachment, especially with an appreciation for the diversity of life that is supported by the ecosystem.  One of the largest threats to the rainforests is conversion of the land for agriculture.  If you haven't traveled to visit a rainforest, I strongly recommend considering making plans to do so.  Consider it an investment in yourself, as you will be guaranteed some incredible experiences connecting with nature.  Nature has many lessons to teach you, it you take the time to pay attention.

The following resources will get you started if you want to plan a trip to visit the rainforest:

Adventure Life

The Pachamama Alliance

Go South Adventures

Southern Explorations

Denver Mayor Proposes Adding 1 Million Trees

Currently only 6% of the Denver metropolitan area is shaded, much lower than the national average of 26% for urban areas.  According to the Denver Post adding 1 million trees over the next 20 years would save $5 million a year in energy costs and remove 1.8 million pounds of air pollution around the city.  That's a good thing!  Is this something your mayor should be doing too?  Take action and let them know they can make a difference!

World's Tallest Tree Located in California

I love the California redwood trees.  They are so majestic.  Two redwoods have been identified as outreaching the previous world record holder for the worlds tallest tree in the Redwoods State and National Parks in the northwestern part of the state.  See the article from Reuters on Planet Ark. 

Photographing Fall Colors

The trees are starting to change in Northern California.  This image came from a tree just up the street a few days ago.  There are three of the trees in a row.  This image is the western most of the three, and the majority of the leaves have turned red.  The middle tree is just beginning to change, and the third most easternly tree is still green. 

The cool weather this week should encourage the trees along.  I was in San Francisco yesterday, and it was quite chilly.  It was 57 degrees in the city, which was a record breaking lowest "high" temperature for the day. 

For trees beyond the local neighborhood, Carol Leigh has a list on her website of where to go photograph fall colors in Northern California/Southern Oregon.  She also offers a CD on photography in CA, as well as online training classes. 

For a list of locations around the U.S. where you can see fall colors see the U.S. Forest Service site or Gorp's Autumn Kickoff.

Connecting with a 600 Year Old Bald Cypress

This is a 600 year old Bald Cypress located at the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville Texas.  The Bald Cypress is a tree that is native to North America and can live to be over 1000 years old. 

I yearn to understand the history of ancient trees.  What can we learn by connecting to the species?  What are the stories they can share if we only take the time and set the intention to listen?  Imagine the events that have occurred during the lifetime of this tree: the many other trees, animals, birds, insects, fish, molds and lichens that have been a part of this ecosystem.  Yet, through it all, the amazing species still stands majestically.  This tree is lucky to be part of a nature reserve, where some people who care, visit to show their respect for the species.  Many others go unnoticed.  How can we encourage more people to make a connection?

I have been reading the book, The Spirit of Trees: Science, Symbiosis and Inspiration by Fred Hageneder.  The book explores the relationship between humanity and trees, in terms of the trees natural assets, mankind's cultural interpretations of the forest, interpretations of the forest and specific tree sprcies, and the ability to inspire, soothe and sustain humankind.  Unfortunately, the Bald Cypress was not one of the trees profiled in the book.  Alternatively, the Tree Totem site has an interesting description of the folklore and spiritual essence of this species.  I highly recommend both of these resources for an alternative perspective on many tree species that goes beyond the typical scientific descriptions we are used to reading.