What makes America great? Ingenuity, freedom, and a political-economic system that supports creativity. Committed people take new ideas, combine them with the time and money of others who believe in a novel proposition, and produce something that will change the fortunes of those involved with the effort, if not the lives of the rest of … Continue reading Warblers and nonprofits
Tag: birds
The Sandhill Cranes of Nebraska
Some places have a signature animal species that defines a particular natural environment. For me, they include the alligators of the Okefenokee, the wolves of Isle Royale, and the Kirtland's Warbler of the Au Sable Plains. Ever since youthful trips across the Great Plains in the spring, I have also associated the Sandhill Cranes with … Continue reading The Sandhill Cranes of Nebraska
Paying it Forward with the Kirtland’s Warbler
When it comes to nature, how can we pay it forward? You know the concept: someone does a good deed for you, or pays off your debt, and you reciprocate by extending your generosity and good will to the next person in line. But hasn't nature also done us many a good deed? And don't … Continue reading Paying it Forward with the Kirtland’s Warbler
Wind Power from the Thumb
On the same day the United Nation's issued another report detailing the dangers of climate change, I visited one of the many places in Michigan where people are trying to figure out how to generate electricity while avoiding damage to our environment. I found no panacea, but came away hopeful. As with many challenges we face, … Continue reading Wind Power from the Thumb
Smartphones and Nature
"Clearly, we have compiled a record of serious failures in recent technological encounters with the environment," wrote ecologist Barry Commoner in 1969. His point of view reflects the suspicion, if not antagonism, that some environmentalists have had about the engineering advances of modern society. Recently, I took some new technology along with me on my … Continue reading Smartphones and Nature
Birdwatching on Lake Erie
The mission of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to protect and promote biodiversity, which includes the wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit our planet.* And while TNC scientists implement comprehensive strategies to preserve habitats for many species, for some of us our blood quickens a little bit more for those certain species with … Continue reading Birdwatching on Lake Erie
Walks with Tom 