Getting outside to enjoy the spring weather and the natural world is always a wonderful tonic for our physical, mental and spiritual health. Paying attention to nature – and how it is doing – is also important, especially this year. A dry winter, spring in February and summer in March, followed by killing freezes dashing hopes of a fruitful summer, are stressing the natural world as well as human endeavors.
Rollbacks of environmental protections, a relentless assault on science – especially climate science – and a crisis in Colorado River management are coinciding with the stresses created by this year’s weather. With the current unraveling of the federal political process, state and local involvement in environmental protection is critical. Paying attention to nature is the first step toward more local action.
So, when outside – gardening, hiking, paddling, reading or eating (hopefully some local food) – being observant is key. We’re talking about pollinators, flowering dates, birds, rainfall and much more. Then comes monitoring: observing the same spot over time to discover trends. Sharing what you see with friends increases public awareness and the public will to protect wild places and species. Citizen science programs also coordinate reporting of such observations to help scientists find solutions.
Check with one of our great local environmental organizations for help and take advantage of the Field Guide to Observing Nature in the Greater San Juan Mountain Ecosystem at HCFS.org under “Publications” to get started.
Jim Dyer, Healthy Community Food Systems
Durango