Ever live somewhere for years and not know what the local trees, flowers, and birds are?
It's crazy how we walk by so many living things every day and don't even know their names. How we don't know the fantastical ecology of each species, or what we can potentially use it for.
What if you found out some berries were edible? You could have a snack on your way to work!
What if one animal changes their feather/ fur color in winter vs. summer? You'd learn a cool fact!
What if one flower is highly toxic? You'd know not to add it to your bouquet!
So, let's explore how to learn your wild neighbors :)
The best place to start is working on seeing the differences between each species.
Take note of one plant's leaf shape compared to its neighbors.
Is one leaf darker and waxier looking than the next?
Is the bark flakier looking or more textured than the other?
Is one evergreen's needles pokier than another's?
Does one bird have different colored feathers or a different shape beak?
Take some time to stop and take a closer look at your wild family. Once you can start to recognize certain species, take some pictures. Spend a few minutes on the myriad identification apps and searching on google to put names to these beautiful organisms.
Once you are positive you've correctly identified a species, first congratulate yourself!! Then, dive in deeper!
Is it good for aromatherapy?
Can you make tea with its leaves?
Can you tell what the bird's song means?
Is it something you shouldn't even touch because of toxic properties? It is super rare?
You'll find yourself adding dandelion leaves to salads, spruce tips to tea, and recognizing the birds flitting through the trees by their songs.
There is so much this magnificent world has to offer us. The more we open our eyes and expand our knowledge, the deeper the connection we can nourish. As we become more familiar with our home, the more appreciation we can hold for the diverse, intricate ecosystems that surround us. This creates a relationship with the land we all evolved with for thousands of years.
My hope is, that the more you know, the more you care. I wish to cultivate appreciation and love for this earth and the drive to protect it. For each of us can make a difference. One step at a time. Learning one name to one intricate organism at a time. Bring a friend and strike up a conversation to get the juices flowing.
Enjoy the journey and have fun :)
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