Musings on Mother Nature

Right before my surgery last week, I received a big care package from my mom. It was full of pampering items for my recovery such as robes, night shirts, slippers, CDs and a CD player, lotion, etc. She is always so thoughtful. Mom often sends me newpaper clippings and there were two included in my care package. One of the articles was on "citizen scientists" or amateur naturalists. "Citizen scientists count birds, chase butterflies, test water quality, observe the behavior of loons and falcons, follow the tracks of bobcat, bear, and moose, and perform countless other tasks It is a great article that encourages people to get more involved in nature which is something my mom is passionate about and she has instilled that passion in me as well. Here's a little note she included with the nature article:

Remember to tell Nicholas how everything has a purpose in Nature. Even the creepy, crawly things. Insects are Nature's cleaning crew. They clean up dead animals, work in composting and provide themselves, even if unwillingly, as food for higher ups on the chain."

"I told Bob Synest, our Master Gardener instructor, that I believe there is a reason behind all things in Nature given to us by God. But I still couldn't find a use for slugs, except to annoy gardeners. About a month and a half after this conversation, I rad where slugs were providing answers to help children with that disease that causes extreme mucous formation and early deaths in children - I don't remember the name of the disease. But we need to understand there is a reason God made the world the way he did - even when we don't understand it all."

I love it that mom is sharing her passion for Nature with Nicholas, even from a long distance away. I hope that I can adequately model her love for Nature with him as well.

To participate in a citizen science event, please check out the Project Feeder Watch conducted by the Cornell University Lab of Orinthology at . It's a grass roots, citizen scientist annual survey of birds at feeders in winter. What a great way to get children involved in nature and participate in research to learn about the distribution and abundance of birds in your area! We just signed up and will receive a research kit in the mail soon. Check back later for updates to our Feeder Watch!