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Happy Mother’s Day, Earth! Thank you for all the multitudinous life forms that we have the honor of inhabiting your lovely body with. Your rivers & lakes, mountains & plains, and clouds & core - make us who we are. It truly is a blessing to have sprung out of you, and still, after all these years, you feed us so well! Along with appreciating our human mothers, what can we do to really show our gratitude, our respect, our love for you, dear Earth? We welcome any and all suggestions in the comments! . . . . . #earth #mothersday #plantfamily #fern #unfurling #wetlands #woods #plants #love #goearth #earthrocks #yaynature #mothernature #natureteaches #michigannature #getoutside #natureconnection #natureconservation #motherearth #planetearth #ecofriendly #greennature #greenearth #oneplanet #natureawareness #peaceinnature #earthlover (at Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/CABJn5Rnp2V/?igshid=vaapvi01asmw

It’s tulip time! One of the most common cultivated species, identifying exactly which species of tulip you’re looking at can quite a challenge. There are roughly 75 species, which spring up in a multitude of warm colours like red, yellow, orange, pink… Among other plants, watching their form unfold day after day is one of the greatest joys of springtime! . So if you find one, or any other flower that strikes your interest, take close notice of it. How many petals does it have? How many stamens? What type of environment are they growing in? What shapes (triangles, circles, etc.) do you see? Asking questions like these makes the joy of returning to your flower friend far more interesting. . You can also ask more reflective questions that haven’t any definite answer such as: What/who do they remind you of? If they were a person, what type of person would they be? What would their name be? If you’re tired of asking questions, you can also just sit with your flower(s) and let their presence speak to you. . So go out, fly around your environment, whether urban, suburban, or rural, and find a flower! Be a tulip pilut. . . . . #tulips #tulipseason #tulipsofinstagram #tuliplove #tulipa #sitspot #naturelovers #naturelife #springishere #spring2020 #natureteaches #michigannature #getoutside #learnsomethingnew #natureconnection #natureconservation #motherearth #planetearth #ecofriendly #environmentallyconscious #greennature #greenearth #oneplanet #natureawareness #friendsoftheworld #peaceinnature #earthlover (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_46Jrkn3A2/?igshid=1v9vv96blgqb2

BLOG POST 15: Volunteering for a Nepali Family, and Sharing Kindness with Strangers along the Way “Every time we walked past a child we’d say “Namaste!” or “Namascar!” with palms together and they’d perk up with a huge smile and return our “Namaasteeee.” Out of all the neighbourhoods I had stayed in while volunteering (2 in India, 1 in Nepal, 1 in Thailand), I loved this one the most. For it felt most like a real, thriving community, despite how outwardly poor most folks were. In fact I’d say it was the poorest of them all, and correlatively, the most close-knit.” (Keep reading at hopperhere.com; link in bio) #bharatpur #globalcommunity #community #workaway #volunteer #communitylove #family #nepali #painting #pigeons #flowersofasia #inbloom #ricefields #hindu #tihar #travelnepal #adventureblog #travelwriter #primitive #SEAsiabackpacking #solotravel #hopperhere #travelblogger #adventureblog #nepal #nepaltravel #namaste #namaskar (at Bharatpur, Nepal) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_pskrzAo0x/?igshid=13e7f4m6v29a1

Happy Earth Day! . I’ve been back in Michigan for a while now, but as I continue to write travel blog posts, this account will be updated with corresponding photos. For some more up-to-date snapshots of my life, check out my new instagram account @michigannaturelovers. The most recent post is about how to develop a sit spot routine (while staying under the COVID-19 stay at home guidelines) for a greater appreciation and deeper connection with nature. . The post starts like… “A sit spot is simply anywhere outside where you can observe nature. Right now, if you’re lucky enough to have a yard, it's the perfect place. For there is always change happening; always new clues to the myriad of wonders taking place behind the scenes of our senses. Simply opening your eyes to the changes is the key to appreciating them. . The post ends like… And voila! You have a sit spot. You don't need to stay sitting the whole time, but at least a few minutes of sitting in the same spot can do wonders. You may find that visiting a sit spot is just as much about treating Earth with love as it is treating yourself with love too. Yes, being mindful of your consumption habits is more important than ever. But it's only one part of a much greater picture of treating Her with love and respect. . . . . #earthday #earthday2020 #earthdayactivities #sitspot #naturelovers #naturelife #springishere #spring2020 #natureteaches #michigannature #getoutside #learnsomethingnew #natureconnection #natureconservation #motherearth #planetearth #ecofriendly #environmentallyconscious #greennature #greenearth #oneplanet #natureawareness #friendsoftheworld #peaceinnature #earthlover (at Chitwan National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SpGtYAuuU/?igshid=1oznfza31l9uz

Happy Earth Day! . Let’s celebrate by showing love for the earth. But how can we? Most public nature areas closed due to COVID-19, but don’t let that deter you. All you need is a sit spot. . A sit spot is simply anywhere outside where you can observe nature. Right now, if you’re lucky enough to have a yard, it's the perfect place. For there is always change happening; always new clues to the myriad of wonders taking place behind the scenes of our senses. Simply opening your eyes to the changes is the key to appreciating them. . A good place to start is by learning the species of animals and plants you find. You can do this with traditional field guides or even with your phone (Google Lens is shockingly advanced at recognizing plants and animals). You can give them their own name, too. . Then once you have an idea of who is where, and what they really look like, all you do is frequent their presence. The changes will become more evident the more you stop to actually look at details such as the patterns displayed by unfurling buds. . As you take these observational steps in getting to know your plant and animal friends, it is equally important to take more imaginative steps with them too. You can do this by simply saying hi, or by wondering what the word would feel like if you swapped consciousnesses (would a tree feel even weirder in your shoes than you would in their roots?) . And voila! You have a sit spot. You don't need to stay sitting the whole time, but at least a few minutes of sitting in the same spot can do wonders. You may find that visiting a sit spot is just as much about treating Earth with love as it is treating yourself with love too. Yes, being mindful of your consumption habits is more important than ever. But it's only one part of a much greater picture of treating Her with love and respect. . . . . #earthday #earthday2020 #earthdayactivities #sitspot #naturelovers #naturelife #springishere #spring2020 #natureteaches #michigannature #getoutside #learnsomethingnew #natureconnection #natureconservation #motherearth #planetearth #earthlover #peaceinnature #greennature #greenearth #oneplanet #natureawareness #friendsoftheworld (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SnSAiH35b/?igshid=lqxpa401srhn

Meet Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) aka Wood Squill. If you live in a Michigan suburb, there is a very good chance you’ve seen her popping up this spring. Though she hails from Turkey and southwest Russia (NOT Siberia, despite her name), she is spread all over the state. We may rightfully admire her vivacious blue colours, and the grace she delivers as one of the first blooming flowers in spring time, however, she is INVADING the territory of our native plants. She spreads her own roots so vigorously, our homies just can’t keep up. Oh dear Squilly, we admire your strength, perseverance, and valor, but please… go back home. . Invasiveness: This plant was, like many invasive species, introduced as an ornamental, but soon got out of hand. Thus, it often grows in large patches all by itself. It competes so well thanks to its every part being POISONOUS (despite the flowers tasting sweet), being left untouched by deer and other grazers. Additionally, a broken root can resprout an entirely new plant, and it is well adapted to frigid conditions. It is invasive in many parts of the midwest, especially Minnesota and Illinois. . Distribution: She has proliferated herself extensively in the metro-Detroit area, as well as in western Michigan near Holland, and northern Michigan near Alpena and Houghton. So if you’re out on a walk this spring, especially in suburban areas, be on the lookout for this flower. . For Identification tips, mythology, and further resources, read the first comment. . . . . . . . #siberiansquill #scillasiberica #earlybloomer #earlyspring #suburbangarden #michiganflowers #midwest #scillabifolia #invasivespecies #invasiveplants #invasive #beautifulweeds #spring #springflowers #springflower #springishere #springisintheair #blueflowers #blueflower #flowers #flowerstagram #flowerpower #spring2020 #getoutside #learn #learnsomethingnew #learningisfun #naturebasedlearning #natureteaches #michigannature (at Detroit, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_FoeKwnxGW/?igshid=k4yth65n7f3a

Meet Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius) aka Tinder Polypore aka Ice Man Fungus. When Ötzi the Iceman (Europe’s oldest known mummy from around 3400 BCE) was found frozen in ice in 1991, this mushroom was found in his possession, assumedly for its invaluable use in fire-making. Think of how many people this one mushroom kept alive! Many thanks go out to you, Tinder Fungus, for your beauty, your vital role in our ecosystem, and the multitude of benefits you provide to us humans. . Uses: In addition to being a fire-starter, they can even be made into a fiber called Amadou, a leather-like substance to make clothing, which the famous mycologist Paul Stamets wears as a hat. But wait… there’s more! They can be used to disinfect wounds, stop bleeding, treat stomach cancer and bladder disorders, and cure hemorrhoids. Plus with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, they perform wonders in keeping you alive and healthy! If you can’t find it outside, you can buy the dried fungus online to receive the medicinal benefits from their tea. . Distribution: They can be found all across the midwest and eastern North America, as well as throughout Europe, Asia, and in northern and southern Africa. They grow primarily on dead hardwood trees such as birch, or beech, like the fungi in this post. . Identification: A polyporous shelf fungus, the top is usually a brownish to greyish colour, and the underside brownish. The top is banded and can grow 2-8 inches wide. To be sure of your identification, check out “Mushrooms of the Upper Midwest.” Google is also quite helpful, and free. . If you enjoyed reading this, please follow us for more quick and interesting lessons about the wondrous living beings found in Michigan and across North America! . . . . . #tinderfungus #naturesmedicine #medicinalmushrooms #medicinal #tinder #iceman #fomesfomentarius #polypore #mushroom #mushroomhunting #mushroomsociety #mushroomlove #fungi #fungilove #beech #beechtree #nordhousedunes #nordhouse #huronmanisteenationalforest #upnorth #northernmichigan #northernmi #spring2020 #getoutside #learn #learnsomethingnew #learningisfun #naturebasedlearning #natureteaches #michigannature (at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0Dz39nwTa/?igshid=1s161cjmrs7zl

If you enjoy learning about nature, or simply looking at cool nature photos, please follow my brand new account: @MichiganNatureLovers. I teach about how to identify species of plants, trees, and animals found in Michigan, and uses for them such as making tea from pine needles. . […] “We started crossing a river, my eyes glued to my feet, making sure I didn’t step on any little critters. When I reached a small sandbar, the group told me, “Hans! Look up!” and lo and behold, off in the distance was the first wild rhino I’d ever seen.” (Continue reading at Hopperhere.com) . . . . . . #bardiya #bardia #rhino #wildrhino #rhinocerous #tigertracks #tiger #bardianationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifeonearth #wildasia #asianwildlife #safari #walkingsafarai #travelnepal #adventureblog #travelwriter #primitive #SEAsiabackpacking #solotravel #hopperhere #travelblogger #adventureblog #nepal #nepaltravel #namaste #namaskar (at Bardiya National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xF7lAgg4G/?igshid=2hs1phnvune5

Meet Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana). He loves hanging out on sandy beaches, holding onto his cones for many years, and restoring recently burned or logged areas back to health. He’s such an attractive guy, the near-threatened Kirtland Warbler has decided to breed only in stands of his kind. What a dude! Thanks Jack, for being there. . Want to snack on him? You can eat the raw seeds, cooked young cones, and inner bark. Most tasty to humans is tea made from his needles. Just put them in a cup, pour some boiling water over, wait a few minutes, and drink! Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, Jack is there for you if need a boost. His tea is also helpful to relieve sore throats and coughs, plus, research shows it can even help slow the aging process. . Where can you find him? In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula, on sand dunes or other sandy soils. He also spreads well into Wisconsin, Minnesota, and well into Canada from British Colombia to Nova Scotia. . How can you identify him? His needles are around 1 inch long, in bundles of two, and widely forking. His cones also set him apart from other pines, as they grow in a cocoon-like fashion for years, while the old ones hang on, decorating his branches throughout, like ornaments on a Christmas tree. Still, in order to be entirely sure that its Jack Pine, not Joe Pine, the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region is a great resource. If you consume needles from the wrong tree, it could be deadly. Be careful! . Please follow for more wondrous tidbits about Michigan’s natural world! . Sources & further resources: -https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Pinus_banksiana -http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/pinus-banksiana=jack-pine.php - https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/forestipedia/10-reasons-you-should-be-drinking-pine-needle-tea/ . . . . #jackpine #jackpinetrail #jack #pine #pinusbanksiana #pinus #tea #pineneedles #pinecone #nordhousedunes #nordhouse #sanddunes #huronmanisteenationalforest #upnorth #northernmichigan #northernmi #spring #spring2020 #springishere #getoutside #learn #learnsomethingnew #learningisfun #botany #naturebasedlearni (at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-xC9fzH40w/?igshid=1kdm5sbyi4770

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