In the past, I have outlined “nature study goals” for the year (if you’re curious about my past goals, you can find them here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018; perhaps some of these will serve as inspiration for goals of your own). However, I’m not going to make such lofty goals this year – my 13-month-old son Jasper keeps me busy enough that I’m lucky if I can write a single blog post once a month. That said, I do intend to continue posting (don’t worry, you can’t get rid of me that easy!). The content may just shift slightly. 

Some may be shorter posts about an interesting observation or a new place I’ve visited, rather than an in depth dive on a particular species. I’m also fascinated by what catches Jasper’s attention. His excitement about bark, pine cones, acorns, crows, and squirrels offers me a chance to give these common nature occurrences a renewed focus and attention. I hope to share some of my (and Jasper’s!) observations and experiences on the blog moving forward. 

In addition to getting outside regularly and posting new blog content, my biggest “nature study” priority this year is to revive the Upper Cape Naturalist Club. I started this group 6 years ago, and it has been incredible source of learning and friends. In the past, we regularly had two events a month – one talk and one walk. But a new baby definitely threw my scheduling and organizing out of whack. I’m hoping to kick us back into gear this year. I’m excited to announce that we already have an exciting line up of events between now and April, with more being planned for the spring. Check out the full schedule here and mark your calendars! I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in person as we resume our regular Upper Cape Naturalist Club events!

Unrelated to anything in particular: The photos below are included primarily to add some green to your winter day. With so much of the winter landscape dominated by grays and browns, the vibrant pop of green on a patch of moss is always a welcome sight.