The beautiful swath of emerald green that arises just after a burn. Nachusa grasslands, Franklin Grove, Illinois.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations Chicago style, courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory.

@gpconservatory.bsky.social

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A snake lurking? No, it’s a Chestnut
Vine found in Laos and Vietnam.

The Maine coastline? No, Jupiter Island, Florida. The highly invasive Australian pine - which really isn’t even a true pine - light fog and sand give off Maine summer vibes.

Need evidence about how quickly climate change is occurring? Ask a ski instructor. Rain in February in the Sierra Nevadas at 9,000 feet is not normal, with devastating consequences for snowpack levels and summer water access.

Hammocks aren’t just places to nap. Maritime hammocks are forests that grow on top of old sand dunes. On barrier islands, they form on the highest and most stable ground where development often takes place making this habitat critically threatened. TNC’s Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island, FL.

Behold the mighty mangrove.

Let’s all find a way to stay grounded.

So very regal, at least in appearance.

Zebra patterned snow.

Perfect. Nothing to add.

Bullseye.

The original holiday tree lighting.

This is such a fantastic story of partnership and persistence.

Almost ethereal.

Years ago I came upon a Giant Redwood in the Cambridge Botanic Garden. After the initial surprise I felt relief that there are perhaps places in this world where these magnificent trees might survive the fires and other impacts of climate change affecting their home range in California.

The 26 member Sayner Star Lake Lions Club operates Razorback Ridges, a network of cross country ski and mountain bike trails in northern Wisconsin.The trails are groomed and there is a cozy warming hut. Maintenance by dedicated community volunteers.Donations are welcome but there are no fees.Magic.

Fishing flare.

Happy trails.

Fabulous. and for those based in the Midwest, large concentrations of bald eagles may be found along the Mississippi River, especially at Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton, Illinois - “eagle capital of the Midwest.” eagles.illinois.gov/eagle-watchi...

The old Wrigley Company landing strip in Uaxactun, Flores, Petan, Guatemala. The company once sourced chicle from the area. The site has been repurposed!

Traffic near the Selva Maya Forest in Guatemala.

Early evening in the Western Highlands of Guatemala - corn ready for harvest with a splash of color from an abundance of poinsettias.

Poinsettias in the wild. Western Highlands, Guatemala.

Arctic blue? Light blue? Sky Blue? The color of Lake Michigan is difficult to pinpoint today.

Fall bounty.

Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Grove, Illinois.

Sunday afternoon on an Illinois oak savanna.

Lexington, Illinois.

And an oak savanna at dusk, yet another important element of the prairies that once stretched across Illinois.

Heller Nature Center, Highland Park, Illinois.

Oak-hickory forest at dusk. Prescribed fire is essential to maintain these remnants that complemented Illinois prairies forming a mosaic.

Heller Nature Center, Highland Park Illinois.

A prairie remnant, a small piece of the 22 million acres of tallgrass prairie that once covered Illinois.

Fame Flower Knob, Nachusa Grasslands.