The hottest Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Wandering the Ruins of the American Dream

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4333 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History Environment Politics Nature Family
  1. Exploring historical ruins can reveal hard truths about the past, such as the impact of colonialism and environmental degradation.
  2. Visiting sites like Fort Belle Fontaine can provoke reflection on the decay of the American Dream and the realities of history.
  3. Nature reclaims abandoned spaces with thorns and vines, serving as a reminder of the destruction caused by human actions.

Frost Flowers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5231 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature History Memoir
  1. Visiting Mooner's Hollow in Missouri offers a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty.
  2. The complexity of the situation in Gaza highlights the importance of distinguishing between people and governments.
  3. The symbolism of frost flowers in Mooner's Hollow serves as a reminder of the delicate yet powerful forces at play in life.

Retrograde rocket

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Music Personal Growth Nature
  1. Owls are fascinating creatures, and it's nice to enjoy their presence, especially during the season. There's a book that shares beautiful stories about an orphaned owl that might be worth checking out.
  2. Getting better at drawing can be a fun challenge, and there are helpful books for beginners. It's great to engage with art and connect with others who share the same interest.
  3. It's important to carve out time for your creative hobbies, especially during busy holidays. Taking a moment to reflect on your art practice can really help keep your passion alive.
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How To Go On In A World Full Of Cruelty

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Beauty Human experience Nature
  1. Feeling overwhelmed by the world's cruelty is normal. It's okay to take a break and fully experience those emotions before getting back to work.
  2. Finding beauty in everything, even in dark and difficult situations, can help keep hope alive. You can appreciate the world's chaos while still fighting for a better future.
  3. Love for the planet and all its creatures is a powerful motivator. This love drives actions and encourages resilience, even amid challenging times.

Matter Matters

The Abbey of Misrule • 603 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Pilgrimage Nature Belief systems Modernity
  1. People's view of the world has changed from ancient times, when nature and community played central roles, to modernity, which often focuses on individualism and progress.
  2. Christianity sees matter not as evil or purely good but as a creation of a good God that can be damaged by human actions. Our relationship with it is important.
  3. Experiences with sacred places, like churches or icons, can evoke deep feelings and connections, reminding us that spirituality is deeply intertwined with the physical world.

Summerhome swim

Jeff Giesea • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Family Nature Memories Lifestyle
  1. Swimming alone in a quiet river is a beautiful way to enjoy summer. It's peaceful and reminds us to be grateful for simple moments.
  2. Family memories and traditions are important during summer vacations. The cabin where family gathers holds stories of both joyful and dramatic moments.
  3. Nature has a way of connecting us to our past and loved ones. Small things like the smell of a bay leaf can bring back memories and feelings of nostalgia.

Reflections on a brief visit to Florida

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destination Culture Lifestyle Nature Transportation
  1. Florida is known for its nice weather and pretty coastlines, but the culture can sometimes feel strange and self-centered. People generally move there because they like the Florida vibe, which adds to its unique reputation.
  2. Getting around in Florida can be tough because there isn't much public transportation. Most people rely on cars, and walking or biking isn't easy or safe due to the layout of the roads.
  3. Gated communities are common in Florida and often feel very secure, with lots of safety features. These communities can have great nature spots, but outside of them, the pace and accessibility of life can feel very different.

Into the Woods

Cosmographia • 898 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature Spirituality
  1. The woods evoke a childlike wonder, making us feel small and allowing our minds to wander freely in a peaceful environment.
  2. In today's society, humans spend very little time connecting with nature, emphasizing the importance of taking time to venture into the woods and away from modern distractions.
  3. Exploring the woods brings a sense of tranquility and a break from the busyness of daily life, encouraging us to disconnect from screens and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

Top Links 633 Van Gogh and the end of nature. How the UK kicked coal & China's approach to modernization

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Nature History Modernization Environment
  1. Van Gogh's artwork reflects a connection to nature and highlights the changes happening in the world around us. His pieces can show the beauty of nature, but also hint at its decline.
  2. The UK's transition away from coal energy showcases a significant shift towards more sustainable practices. This change is a crucial step in fighting climate change and preserving the environment.
  3. China's modernization is an interesting blend of tradition and innovation. It highlights how countries can evolve while balancing their historical roots with modern advancements.

Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Travel Arts Lifestyle
  1. Finding old objects in nature, like the donut insulator, can remind us of the people who built things in the wilderness. It's interesting to think about their challenges and dreams.
  2. Many trails in the mountains were created by miners and builders long ago, showing how humans have changed the landscape. These paths help modern hikers enjoy nature today.
  3. Nature has a way of recovering even after human impact. This is a hopeful reminder that the forest can bounce back despite our past actions.

Secret Sea Sanctuary

Seven Senses • 299 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Nature Vacation Exploration
  1. The Secret Sea Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place in nature, perfect for reflection and creativity. It's a hidden gem that feels like home for those who visit.
  2. Returning to this special spot brings a sense of calm and inspiration. It helps with creative projects and allows for a deeper connection with nature.
  3. The area is quiet and desolate, making it unique and special. It's now gaining attention, but the peace it offers is still cherished by those who know it well.

Under the Old Ginkgo

Tech and Tea • 476 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Nature Personal Growth Family Culinary Tradition
  1. The ginkgo tree in the backyard, despite being a nuisance with its smelly fruit, holds deep meaning and connection for the family. It represents the changing seasons and has special memories tied to it.
  2. Being 'useless' can actually mean thriving on your own terms. Instead of chasing traditional success, it's okay to embrace your unique path and focus on what really matters to you.
  3. You don’t have to scale and fit into conventional molds. Finding a small, appreciative audience for your personal gifts can be just as fulfilling as chasing big success.

ROADRUNNER, ROADRUNNER

Entering The Lung • 2319 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🔬 Science Animals Nature
  1. Author shares a personal story about encountering a roadrunner for the first time in New Mexico.
  2. Seeing a creature in real life for the first time can be a powerful and memorable experience.
  3. Roadrunners have unique behaviors, like eating large snakes and posing for photos.

Bric-a-Brac 63

Yolo Intel • 1277 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Wellness Destinations Experiences Nature
  1. The newsletter highlights different wellness journeys and experiences, with a focus on relaxation and balance during travel.
  2. There are recommendations on cold water plunges and the benefits of introducing cold exposure into your routine.
  3. The post also includes insights from a wellness expert on staying healthy while traveling, with tips on supplements, rituals, and practices.

Greening the Hag

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2116 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Folklore Women Nature Archetypes
  1. The Cailleach from Scottish and Irish folklore represents an archetype with profound teachings about connection to the land and aspects of aging.
  2. Older women in ancient stories like the Cailleach have an important role as guardians and protectors of the land, offering valuable lessons for contemporary society.
  3. Exploring folklore about the Cailleach as an ecofeminist figure can provide insight into the depth and richness of ancestral traditions surrounding giant old women in Europe.

Beginnings and enchantments

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2116 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Nature Writing
  1. Moving into a new house can be disruptive but redecorating and making it your own can be joyful and rewarding.
  2. Returning to a place where you feel a sense of belonging can bring a profound feeling of being at home, even after many years.
  3. Exploring familiar landscapes and being close to family can bring a sense of ancestral connection and understanding of oneself.

Memories of Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 539 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Nature Experience Memory Adventure Lifestyle
  1. As we get older, we may find physical activities that used to be easy can feel more challenging. This change can be surprising and humbling.
  2. Our memories of places can fade over time, especially if we have done something repeatedly without truly engaging with it. Different kinds of experiences can create stronger memories.
  3. Our interest and pride in specific knowledge, like plant names, can help keep those memories fresh even when other things fade away.

Highland Dispatch

The Contender • 1867 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. The author reflects on his time in Scotland, specifically in Edinburgh and near Aberdeen.
  2. He describes visiting the Oxford Bar and spending time on the Deveron river trying to catch brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, with the author sharing personal experiences and perspectives.

Monkey Puzzles and Muir

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Botany Geology Travel
  1. Monkey puzzle trees, native to Chile, are known for their unique look and have deep cultural connections with the Indigenous Araucano people who use the nuts for food.
  2. John Muir traveled to South America to find these trees and wrote about his admiration for them, showing how much he valued nature.
  3. The arrival of monkey puzzle trees in Seattle is somewhat mysterious, tied to early 20th-century expos and possibly explorers, but their history goes back millions of years.

Sea Change

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Nature Writing
  1. The post is about early writing on place from 2008, dug up from the author's computer. They were living on a croft by Loch Broom at the time.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content on the topic.
  3. Readers can subscribe to get access to more of the author's content about 'Sea Change'.

The Storm

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Literature Artists Nature
  1. The sea holds both beauty and danger, shaping human history through travel, trade, and artistic inspiration.
  2. Artists use paintings and literature to capture the essence of the sea's dual nature, from its nurturing qualities to its destructive power.
  3. The fascination with the sea stems from its role in human exploration and adventure, despite the risks and tragedies it has brought.

Conversations with women (over 40): Barbara Kingsolver

The Shift With Sam Baker • 1577 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Writing Nature Women
  1. The conversations with women over 40 cover a wide range of topics from personal experiences to professional achievements, offering insights and perspectives from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Barbara Kingsolver shares her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reflecting on overcoming challenges, finding courage to be authentic, and embracing wisdom that comes with age.
  3. Through her experiences with strong female role models like her literary agent and mother-in-law, Kingsolver highlights the importance of supportive relationships and the impact they can have on personal growth and success.

The Gnome Trail

Culture Study • 2936 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Community Social Issues Art Podcast
  1. There are many hidden trails on the island that offer unique and beautiful experiences for those who take the time to explore.
  2. Community, like the trails, requires ongoing maintenance and efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
  3. The existence of gates, physical or metaphorical, in communities raises questions about access and the risk of exclusion.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Nature
  1. Normal is not just a standard; it's about what we don't pay attention to. If something feels normal to you, it's likely something you easily overlook.
  2. Public speaking can improve with practice and self-assurance. It's important to focus on sharing ideas rather than trying to be perfect.
  3. Connecting with nature and animals can deepen our understanding of life. Reflecting on our relationships with them can lead to interesting insights.