Snowshoeing through part of the white spruce plantation on this frigid and beautiful evening.

First #snow of the season here in WNY.

I slept way better last night than last year's election night. For the first time this year, I have a glimmer of hope for the future of our country. My despair has lightened a bit.

My day in a nutshell... #screwed

I love exploring the fields in fall, blooming with purple asters against burgundy dogwood and brilliant goldenrod. #hiking #autumn

Pretty sunset by my "fort" tonight. Lots of goldenrod in bloom in our back field.

Before school started, my son and I backpacked through the Allegheny National Forest. Here is a great trail through Minister Creek. #nature #hiking #outdoors

How's everyone's garden going? Despite some whacky weather, we've been picking a good daily harvest. It is healthier for my family, the planet and my wallet. #gardening

Caught this whitetail doe and fawn on the trail camera - they have the exact same stance. #nature #outdoors

Caught this robin trying to hulahoop this morning. #nature #birding

Spotted this great blue heron perched on a duck nesting box while on a Father's Day #hike in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. #nature #outdoors

Saw this mama possum carrying two babies on her back out in my orchard. Something must have disturbed her but she looks healthy. #wildlife #nature

Had a good weekend #backpacking with the Scouts on the North Country Trail.

Search and Rescue training at Allegany State Park. Always glad to coordinate our annual weekend in Western New York's wildest place. #SAR #WNY #SearchandRescue

The kids and I planted just over 300 trees over the last couple of days. We planted mostly conifers for habitat and Christmas trees but also added to our nut orchard. Another 60 went into reforestation efforts to replace ash trees. #conservation #arborday #trees

Perfect to find this beautiful trout lily on #EarthDay. This spring ephemeral blooms in April and is one of the earliest #wildflowers in our region. It was the first one in bloom I found this year.

My son joined me for an #EarthDay activity of removing invasive honeysuckle and prepping to plant native plants and trees in our woods. Since we've began this a few years ago, we've noticed native wildflowers expanding their range.

One year, you'll be up after midnight hiding the kids' Easter baskets and not realizing it's the last time you ever do it. Savor the moments of your family traditions.

Some of the first #wildflowers here in Western New York: snowdrops and skunk cabbage. Found while taking a short #hike through Great Baehre Swamp. #nature

While admiring the crocuses sprouting in my yard I watched this bee dive in searching for rare spring nectar. #nature #pollinators #spring

As I go to work in the dark anyway, it is nice to have daylight for after-supper chores. My farm at #sunset here in Western New York.

Helping an older relative clean up their home after decades of hoarding is exhausting. It makes me want to get rid of everything I own.

Chickadees eat seeds from my hand YouTube video by Dan Human

Feeding the chickadees by hand. At the end of a very chaotic day, this helped to calm me down and focus.

Checking up on part of my Christmas tree farm that butts up against the hay field. There are about 250 spruce thriving in this spot providing habitat while developing into a renewable resource. No herbicides or pesticides used. #outdoor #gardening #ecofriendly

Hiked 6 miles on my local trails, 4 on skis and then 2 on snowshoes. This is my "super secret spot" overlooking Meyers Pond. Of course they cut an actual trail to it last year so it isn't as secret as it used to be. I'll get fewer thorns in my legs hiking there though. #winter #hiking #outdoors

New York state, near Niagara Falls.

It is pretty magical out there today. #snow #hiking #snowshoeing

Clearing trails on snowshoes today after the high winds yesterday. Lots of widowmakers hanging yet. #outdoors #trail #snowshoes

Out #snowshoeing with my daughter.

Was bummed out today from our political upheaval but put miles on the snowshoes today, packed out some trash in the woods and spent time with the kids. Nothing clears the head and sharpens focus like a brisk 7 degree day.