The Nature of Things

As a former Latin teacher, I’m always interested in the evolution of the English language. Civilizations that we consider to be ancient (or at least…

A few weeks ago, I was tucked snuggly into my bed, eyes closed, attempting mightily to fall asleep when a loud crash echoed from outside my home. I sat up…

A few days ago, one of our teachers pitched me an idea for a weekend program, something called “forest bathing.” I’ll admit I was skeptical at first as…

My kids used to gather a bucket full of plants and twigs they foraged from our backyard and offer it to me and my wife as “soup.” While most of those…

I’ve spoken often about the impact that our ever-more-connected human world has on our native plant and animal species. In the case of invasive species,…

There are some species of animals that hold a special place in my heart. I know that as an environmentalist I’m not supposed to pick favorites, but some…

Last June, my son Jack and I were wandering through the fields behind our home, when Jack came bolting toward me with his latest nature find.Atop his…

One of the most significant benefits to my position as Executive Director of Irvine Nature Center is access to the 210 acres of wild land we have here—and…

I was having a conversation recently about these larger predators like coyotes, wolves, and mountain lions, whose territories are constantly changing in…

A few weeks ago, I visited a friend. We were sitting outside, enjoying the weather with a couple local brews while his daughter played nearby. Suddenly,…