The Squirrel Chronicles

Squirrely Adventures and environmental musings in the Pacific North West. Come join the conversation.

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No permit, No pipeline

Friends, Last weekend TransCanada’s permit for Keystone XL in South Dakota expired. They now no longer have a permit to build in 2 states — Nebraska, and South Dakota.  The South Dakota permit was issued way back in 2010 when Keystone XL was supposedly a done deal, and 4 years was thought to be plenty...

Great News! TransCanada's permit for the Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota has expired, stopping the project in its tracks! This could halt the project for at least another year, if not much longer. Thank goodness for that!

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Fantastic Article from Aljazeera America explaining the DEA's role in obstructing viable scientific research on medical marijuana. 

"The DEA has ignored calls to reschedule marijuana — which is currently called a Schedule 1 drug meaning it has no known medical value and is on par with drugs like heroin and crack."

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Pope Francis shares his sentiment on our responsibility to take care of our home, the Earth. Just beautiful. 

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Went on an adventure to explore Racehorse falls but got lost and came across this epic view. We were winding our way up the mountain for what seemed like ages until we came upon this lookout. All I have to say is that it was well worth it. What a wonderful Sunday in the Pacific Northwest. :)

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"Warning: If you watch this, you'll never be able to watch a climate "debate" again without rolling your eyes"

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First of all, Happy Mother's Day! Today is a wonderful occasion to spend time with your Mum and take her on an enchanting walk through the woods. Perhaps Cornwall Park?

 Cornwall Park is one of my favorite places to get lost for hours. The park is always so well maintained and respected by all of those who enjoy it. I see countless dog walkers, frisbee golf players, families, and of course other squirrels every time I explore this foresty wonderland. 

Take care of your home and she will take care of you. We are inextricably tied to the Earth in what should be a symbiotic and mutually respectful relationship. Love and respect the Earth as much as you love and respect your own mother!!  

Cheers,

The Squirrel

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chiu chih's survival kit for the ever-changing planet - designboom | architecture & design magazine

exploring the deteriorating air quality within crowded living environments, designer chiu chih has developed a survival kit, 'voyage on the planet'.

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That magical sunset we saw the other day! I love Bellingham.

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Dear Humans,

It's sad to see such an overwhelming amount of trash and neglected items strewn about in the alley ways of urban infrastructures. Why don't we take the responsibility to clean up after ourselves? Not only does it affect wildlife, but it affects YOU! Yes, you, human. It baffles me that people often take themselves out of the equations when it comes to environmentalism and think that if you can't see it that its not your problem and you won't be affected by it. We are part of living system of interconnected parts, a.k.a. an ecosystem! When we don't take care of the Earth, our HOME, then we in turn are not taking care of ourselves. 

The consequences of neglectful waste disposal and disregard of sustainable practices do not just affect the environment they affect you!! So don't take yourself out of this equation. When you clean up trash, when you reduce, reuse, and recycle, and partake in the multitude of simple sustainable practices you are benefiting the human species along with all of the other beings (plant and animal) on this planet. 

Yours Truly,

The Squirrel

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Back in the cold months of December I found myself in a foggy field in Grand Coulee, WA.

Though the wintery cold air is no longer upon us, and the sun has graced us with her presence in the PNW, I still enjoy reminiscing about the eerie but enchanting foggy days.  

Also, I look a lot creepier in this photo than I normally do...but I kinda like it. What do you think?

Love,

The Squirrel

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Worst propaganda to get on Earth Day!

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Diablo Lake

Follow the Diablo Lake Trail up and across talus slopes on the flanks of Sourdough Mountain to impressive cascading waterfalls and stunning views of Ross Lake and Colonial, Pyramid, Davis Peaks, as well as Jack Mountain.

Who wants to do this hike with me? Only 7.6miles round trip with stunning views to behold along the way. Sounds like the perfect springtime adventure.  

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This is my "Springtime Bliss Face"

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Palm oil fuels unprecedented large-scale deforestation, orangutan genocide and prostitution, gross human rights and labor violations, as well as global warming and the destruction of hundreds of delicate ecosystems across South-East Asia.

"Currently, a third of all mammal species in Indonesia are considered to be critically endangered as a consequence of this unsustainable development that is rapidly encroaching on their habitat." 

**This is a great piece on the dangers of booming Palm Oil production...Check it out. 

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Love this local magazine!! Check out their website and find all sorts of ideas and tips for adventuring around the Pacific NorthWest. You know I'm all about adventures, right? ;)

Love,

The Squirrel

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Great info advocating the importance of growing a garden instead of grass in your yard! I'm all about it.

Looking into creating a living wall of green beans for my back porch, and planting strawberries in pots since we don't have a back yard. 

via www.growtest.org

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Enjoying some quiet time by this hidden swampy pond I found on the interurban trail. A family of mallard ducks call this little pond home, and despite my requests they refused to be in the picture.  

Many silent patches of forest like this can be found interwoven through Bellingham’s infrastructure, bringing its residents that much closer to nature. What a beautiful place we call home. 

I urge you to go on your own adventure and find some silence in the woods.