One year ago, with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I launched “From Flora to Fauna.” My goal was simple: to share my passion for the natural world, to document my explorations, and perhaps to inspire a few others to look a little closer at the beauty that surrounds us. Twelve months, eight posts, and countless moments of awe later, I’m reflecting on a year of learning, growth, and a deeper connection to the wild.
Let’s be honest, sticking to a monthly posting schedule wasn’t always easy. Life, as it often does, threw curveballs. But even when weeks turned into months, the desire to share my experiences never faded. Each post, whether it was a close-up look at the intricate patterns of a wildflower or a reflection on the quiet solitude of a forest trail, was a labor of love.
What did I learn this year? More than I could have imagined. I learned to slow down — no, that’s too simple, it doesn’t capture the urgent, sheer necessity of slowing down. I learned how important it is for me to slow down. And the best way to do that is to get outside. But getting outside isn’t just about slowing down; there’s a grounding that happens, a deep, fulfilling connection that takes me outside myself and my immediate concerns to a place where I can breathe deeply and truly see. I learned how to observe with greater detail, both the large and the small worlds around me, and I’ve grown to appreciate even more the interconnectedness of all living things. I learned that even in familiar places, there are always new discoveries to be made, if I just slow down and really look, really feel. And I learned that nature writing, while rewarding, requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of storytelling. Nature isn’t just a collection of facts and figures; it’s a living, breathing narrative, full of drama, beauty, and resilience. I hope that sharing these stories, whether through photographs or words, helps to connect people to the natural world in a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead: Goals for Year Two
As I embark on the second year of “From Flora to Fauna,” I’m filled with renewed enthusiasm and a few concrete goals:
- Consistent Content: Yes, I’m aiming for that elusive one post per month! I want to share more of my adventures, delve deeper into specific topics, and continue to highlight the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.
- Continued Education and Information Sharing: I want to continue to educate myself and my readers on important environmental topics. I want to share information gathered from reputable sources to help everyone learn more about the natural world.
- Tracking Important Environmental Issues: In the coming year, I want to dedicate some time to tracking and reporting on critical environmental issues, particularly:
- The impact of human activities on flora and fauna: It’s hard not to talk about anthropogenic effects on the environment and the plants and animals in it when sharing information about the natural world and my own explorations. I hope to find small ways we each can make a difference as well as explore larger-scale solutions that we can work toward.
- Avian Flu Updates: The ongoing avian flu outbreak is a serious concern for both wildlife and domestic birds. I plan to monitor the latest developments, share information on its impact, and provide resources for those looking to help.
- US Policy Changes: Changes in US policies regarding conserved and managed natural spaces, such as national parks, can have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystem health. I will strive to provide updates and analysis on these policies, helping readers understand how they might affect our natural resources.
- Environmental Responsibility: Beyond simply writing about nature, I want to take a more active role in protecting it.
- Anti-Rodenticide Campaigns: I am personally dedicating some time and effort to working on anti-rodenticide campaigns in my local area and state (MA) in order to reduce the painful, ravaging effects to second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on our wonderful wildlife like hawks, eagles, owls, foxes, coyotes, and other animals who prey on mice and rats. More to come on this important topic in a future blog post!
- Reducing Plastic Consumption: One of my personal goals for the coming year is to significantly reduce my family’s use of plastic. Microplastics are an insidious form of pollution, infiltrating our waterways and ecosystems, and posing a threat to wildlife (and ourselves!). By making conscious choices to minimize our plastic footprint, we can contribute to a healthier planet. Again, more to come in a future post!
A Call to Community
As I look forward to another year of exploring and sharing the wonders of nature, I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a sunset, there’s a place for you here.
Let’s work together to learn more about and from our natural world, explore ways to protect our environment and all the wonderful life within it, and inspire others to do the same. Together, let’s find the wonder.
Thank you for being a part of the “From Flora to Fauna” community. Here’s to another year of discovery, wonder, and meaningful connection with the natural world.
