Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind

Street Smart Naturalist explores human and natural history in the Pacific Northwest. Themes include nature's resilience, the cultural significance of flora and fauna, impact of climate change, historical events, and Indigenous perspectives. The posts often highlight personal connections to local geography and ecosystems.

Nature and Wildlife Cultural History Indigenous Knowledge Climate Change Geography Historical Events Ecology Local Flora and Fauna

The hottest Substack posts of Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind

And their main takeaways

Tails of the City: Part 1

419 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Urban Nature Conservation
  1. Cattails are really useful plants that have been used for many things like making mats, pillows, and even food. They grow well in wetlands and can be found along roadsides.
  2. Seattle has lost many wetlands due to development, but there are efforts to bring some areas back to a wetland-like state. Wetlands are important for the health of the environment and many species.
  3. Despite the benefits of wetlands, there are still challenges to their protection, with some recent laws making it easier to harm them. It's important to recognize how valuable they are for both nature and people.

Dead Trees Tell No Lies

419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🔬 Science Geology Environmental Science Natural History
  1. Certain dead trees in the Pacific Northwest help scientists learn about a major earthquake that happened about 1,100 years ago. The trees died due to seismic events, not fire or disease.
  2. Researchers used growth rings from these trees to narrow down the date of the earthquake to around 923 or 924 CE. This discovery helps understand what could happen in future earthquakes.
  3. The study shows how dedicated scientists work hard to solve mysteries in nature. Their findings can help with planning and improving safety in areas prone to earthquakes.

The Ravineous City

219 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Urban Studies Geography History Nature Language
  1. Seattle has many natural ravines formed by a mix of geology, climate, and time. These ravines provide unique landscapes in the city.
  2. Different places use different terms for similar features; for example, Tacoma prefers 'gulch' over 'ravine'. This shows how local culture influences language.
  3. Ravenna is a well-known ravine in Seattle with interesting historical and linguistic connections. Its name reflects a mix of culture and nature.

Seattle Walks - Update

239 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Local history Urban Exploration Books Community Engagement
  1. The author is updating their book about walks in Seattle to reflect changes in the city since it was first published in 2017. They are looking for feedback on the routes and any changes that need to be made.
  2. Readers are encouraged to share their experiences with the walks, including any errors or areas where the directions could be clearer. The author wants to ensure the book is as helpful as possible.
  3. The author plans to remove two walks and add three new ones, and they are asking for opinions on which walks should stay or go.

The Memory of a Tree

439 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecology Urban Nature Cultural heritage Community
  1. Western red cedars are very important to the Indigenous people, who use them to make many items, from canoes to hats. These trees are seen as a source of life and culture.
  2. Trees like the Wedgwood cedar hold memories of the past. They witness changes in the environment and community, connecting the present to history.
  3. Cutting down the Wedgwood cedar would mean losing a piece of nature and the stories it holds. These trees are not just plants; they carry the life and memories of the area around them.
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Fall Talks and Walks

339 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Events Books Nature Humor Community
  1. There are several upcoming public events focused on nature and local history. People are encouraged to attend and connect with the speaker.
  2. The speaker will discuss various topics, including their book on the history of Puget Sound and interesting places in Seattle.
  3. There will also be a book launch for a new book on fossils in Washington State, highlighting the state's diverse natural history.

Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales

299 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Ecology History Education
  1. The book 'Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales' explores the rich fossil history of Washington State, showcasing a vast timeline of plants and animals that lived there over hundreds of millions of years.
  2. It features twenty-four profiles that connect specific fossils with their geological and human history, making the science behind them more engaging and accessible.
  3. The authors include beautiful fossil photos and aim to deepen readers' appreciation for the paleontology and geology of Washington State through these stories.

Nature to the North

359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Wildlife Conservation Environmental
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.

Glacial Gardens

319 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Climate change
  1. Glacier retreat creates unique landscapes with rocks and rubble that offer a constantly changing environment. Walking on these surfaces can be tricky and shows how glaciers shape the land.
  2. Despite being on glaciers, there are surprising ecosystems with plants and wildlife. These plants show that life can flourish in unexpected places, even in harsh conditions.
  3. Debris-covered glaciers may serve as safe havens for plants and animals as the climate warms. They can help species survive by providing a cooler habitat as they migrate to higher ground.

When Fill Fails

319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning Infrastructure Ecology Sustainability Urban Development
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

Seismic Swift

319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Geology Stadiums Environmental awareness
  1. Fans at Taylor Swift's concerts created a lot of excitement, enough to be measured like small earthquakes. The energy from the cheers and stomping was similar to a magnitude 2.3 quake.
  2. Seattle has had a history of measuring events that cause seismic activity, like sports games and even the demolition of the Kingdome. Big crowds can shake the ground just like natural earthquakes.
  3. Understanding the geology of Seattle is important, as it helps people connect with their environment. Events like concerts can spark interest in learning more about the earth beneath our feet.

Otters in our Midst

279 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Urban wildlife Conservation Environmental Science
  1. Otters are important urban wildlife and their poop, called spraint, can tell us a lot about their diet and health. Researchers study spraint to understand what otters eat and to check for parasites or pollution.
  2. River otters tend to be clean and use specific spots, called latrines, to poop. This behavior might be social, but researchers aren't completely sure why they do it.
  3. Even in polluted areas, river otters are resilient and continue to survive and reproduce. It's important for us to help make urban environments healthier for wildlife.

Tails of the City: Part 2

259 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Botany Ecology Evolution Natural History Environmental Science
  1. Horsetails have existed since the time of dinosaurs and are among the oldest plants on Earth. They haven’t changed much over millions of years, making them fascinating survivors.
  2. While horsetails are often seen as garden pests, they have historical importance and have been used by various cultures for food and tools. However, some parts can be toxic, especially to horses.
  3. There is a common myth that horsetails can accumulate gold, but research shows they actually indicate arsenic. They are good at collecting silica, which gives them their nickname as 'scouring rush'.

Erratic Behavior

299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🔬 Science Geology Paleontology Natural History Earth Science
  1. Erratic rocks are large stones left behind by glaciers when the ice melts. They can be quite big, even the size of a school bus.
  2. Some famous erratics, like the Wedgwood Rock in Seattle, have interesting histories and have been popular spots for locals for many years.
  3. The study of these erratics helped scientists like Goethe understand the Ice Age and how rocks traveled long distances due to ice.

He, she, it

499 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Language Nature Animals Relationships Sentience
  1. Using 'it' to refer to animals can make them seem less important. Referring to them as 'he' or 'she' helps us remember they are living beings with feelings.
  2. Language shapes how we see the world. When we use more respectful pronouns for animals, it helps us connect better with nature.
  3. Changing how we talk about animals can be difficult, but it's important for building a better relationship with all living things.

Literary High Points

239 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Literary Events Book recommendations
  1. The Seattle Antiquarian Bookfair is a great event that features unique books and collectibles, showcasing the history and culture of the area.
  2. Old stock certificates can be fascinating, especially those for failed ventures, reflecting dreams and ambitions that often didn't materialize.
  3. Historical documents, like maps and guides, offer insight into past priorities and society's changing values, making them interesting for understanding our history.

The Bird with the Silent P

219 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Conservation Natural History Ornithology
  1. White-tailed ptarmigan are unique birds that live in cold, high-altitude areas. They change color from brown in summer to white in winter, helping them blend into their snowy environment.
  2. These birds have feathered feet that act like snowshoes, making it easier for them to walk on snow rather than fly. This adaptation helps them conserve energy in their harsh habitat.
  3. Indigenous knowledge about wildlife, like the ptarmigan's snowshoe ability, is being recognized as valuable by scientists. There's so much to learn from traditional understanding of nature.

Why We Need More Ivy

239 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Sustainability Ecology
  1. Ivy can help cover bare concrete walls along freeways, making them look nicer and reduce graffiti. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows easily and creates a green layer.
  2. Covering walls with ivy can reduce noise pollution and make driving more pleasant. The leaves help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for people nearby.
  3. Ivy also helps improve air quality by capturing pollutants from the air. It acts like a natural filter, making the city environment healthier for everyone.

Escalator City

299 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Urban Exploration History Transportation Architecture Local culture
  1. Seattle has made its streets less steep over time, which can make it easier for people to navigate downtown. People often forget that the hills used to be much steeper, leading to complaints about the current slopes.
  2. There were past proposals to build escalators to help people climb the city's hills, highlighting the innovation and desire for easy access in Seattle's history. Even though these plans never fully happened, the idea shows how people adapt to their environment.
  3. Visitors can now enjoy a fun route through downtown Seattle using existing escalators to travel between different levels, making it a little easier to explore the city. This route connects significant buildings and showcases Seattle's unique landscape.

Mapping Landscape Change

279 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
💾 History Maps Geography Cultures Urban Development
  1. Maps of Lake Union show how it has changed over time, reflecting both natural and human impacts. This gives us a glimpse into the area's history and development.
  2. The lake was named during an important picnic in 1854, where ideas about transportation and community connections were discussed. This moment highlights how people shape places.
  3. By the mid-20th century, Lake Union had become industrialized, illustrating the balance between nature and urban growth. It makes us wonder how it will look in the future.

Signs of the Times

179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Urban Exploration History Architecture Local culture Literature
  1. Seattle has unique street markers made from tiles and metal. These have different styles and date back to the early 1900s.
  2. In 1902, Seattle decided to mark sidewalks with street names, but these old tiles often became hard to see due to visibility issues.
  3. Kids used to vandalize the street signs, which led to attempts to put fines in place for those caught throwing stones.

Life Abounds

219 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Wildlife Adventure Family Environment
  1. Baby animals, like marmots and geoducks, can be very cute and inspire joy in nature. People often feel a nurturing instinct towards baby animals, similar to how they feel about human babies.
  2. The recovery of wildlife can surprise researchers, as seen with western toads at Mt. St. Helens after the eruption, which thrived in new conditions.
  3. Many baby marmots survive their first winter, which is good news for their populations. Cute baby animals help us connect with nature and remind us of the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Giddiness of Time

319 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🔬 Science Geology Earth Science Natural History Environmental Studies
  1. Time is deep and vast, stretching back billions of years. This history has shaped our planet and the life on it, making it so fascinating to explore.
  2. Certain rocks, like the Morton Gneiss, are incredibly old and hold stories about the Earth's early days. Touching these rocks can help us connect to that ancient time.
  3. Geological processes, like plate tectonics, have changed over the ages. Understanding when these processes began gives us insight into the Earth's past and how it has evolved.

McClellan of the Cascades

359 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
💾 History American history Civil War Exploration Geography Naturalism
  1. George McClellan was a Civil War general sent to scout a railroad route through the Cascade Mountains, but he ended up getting lost and misidentifying key passes.
  2. Despite his errors, McClellan was a keen observer of nature, documenting plants and geological features, and he had some interesting insights about the local environment.
  3. His journey reveals the importance of local knowledge, as his Indigenous guides warned him about deep snow, which he failed to appreciate, leading to his mistaken conclusions.

Trees and Politics

239 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Urban Development Climate change Public Health Social justice
  1. Seattle has a history of cutting down trees for economic gain, starting from the days of early settlers.
  2. There is a recent shift towards valuing trees and nature for their benefits to both the ecosystem and human health.
  3. The city council is revising the Tree Protection Ordinance, but the proposed changes may not be strong enough to protect trees and support the community effectively.

Digging to China, not

219 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Geography Cartography Monuments History
  1. There's a special monument in Seattle that shows the shortest route to its sister city, Galway, Ireland. It's made of granite and has a sloped side that points to the direct path between the two cities.
  2. If you dig a hole straight down in most parts of the U.S., you won't land in China. For example, if you dig from Seattle, you'll end up deep in the Indian Ocean.
  3. The distance you can see from a higher place, like a lighthouse, is important for navigation. You can predict how far you can see using simple math, which has helped sailors for a long time.

Six Books I Recommend 2023

119 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Poetry Storytelling
  1. The author shares six book recommendations for 2023, focusing on natural history and storytelling. These books inspire him, and he appreciates how they explore language.
  2. The author encourages readers to also share their favorite books, emphasizing the joy of discussing literature.
  3. This message is intended for paid subscribers, creating a sense of community and connection among them during the holiday season.

Helpful Devil

219 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎭️ Culture Naturalism Botany History
  1. Devil's club is a spiny plant found in moist areas, and it has used for centuries by Indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes.
  2. Bears play a significant role in spreading devil’s club seeds by consuming its berries, which helps maintain its growth in certain ecosystems.
  3. The names of plants like devil’s club reflect both their characteristics and the cultures that named them, showing how language and nature are closely connected.

Superbloom - Seattle Style

239 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature Botany Climate Art
  1. Even with less rain this spring, Seattle still sees some colorful wildflowers, like the skunk cabbage, popping up in wet spots.
  2. The skunk cabbage is known for its unique shape and strong smell, which helps attract insects for pollination.
  3. This flower is a sign that spring has arrived, bringing brightness and life back to the landscape after winter.

Harlequin Ducks

479 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Nature Writing Art Life History
  1. Harlequin ducks are known for their colorful and striking appearance, especially the males during breeding season. Their unique colors make them stand out in nature.
  2. These ducks have an unusual lifestyle, living both at sea and in the mountains. They can dive underwater to find food, and they often nest in hollow trees instead of typical bird nests.
  3. The author finds joy in experiencing the beauty of both the sea and mountains. This connection to nature inspires their writing, leading to new creative projects about the regions they love.

For all these, I give thanks

319 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Nature Art Food Friendship
  1. Being thankful for simple pleasures like good food and morning coffee can bring joy to our daily lives.
  2. Valuing relationships with friends and family, including shared experiences and moments of laughter, is important for happiness.
  3. Appreciating nature, art, and creativity helps us connect with the world around us and enriches our lives.

Woolly Dogs of Hood Canal

159 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Tradition Naturalism Photography History
  1. Woolly dogs were special to the Skokomish people and were important symbols of loyalty and family. They had unique features, like tails that curl up.
  2. These dogs became extinct by the late 1800s, but the last known woolly dog, named Mutton, was collected for study and is now part of the Smithsonian's collection.
  3. Researchers are currently studying Mutton's genetics to learn more about these fascinating dogs and their history.

A Drowsy God and Parboiled Pease

219 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
💾 History Local history Botany Exploration Geography
  1. William Fraser Tolmie, a botanist, explored Alki in 1833 but found it lacking fresh water, which made it unsuitable for a trading post. Despite this, he appreciated the area's beauty.
  2. The Denny Party, which arrived later in 1851, is credited as the founders of Seattle, despite many original settlers leaving the area soon after due to its challenges.
  3. There are debates about how to pronounce 'Alki,' with locals splitting between 'Al-kye' and 'Al-kee', reflecting differences in historical vs. modern usage.

An Enigmatic Beast

219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Etymology Evolution
  1. Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
  2. Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
  3. There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

Finding Glaciers in the West

139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural History Exploration Geology
  1. In the 1800s, scientists believed there were no glaciers in the U.S. outside of Alaska until Clarence King discovered them in the Cascades. This was a surprising revelation since people had been aware of glaciers in places like Switzerland long before.
  2. Many explorers and writers, including Native guides, had actually seen and written about the glaciers in the Cascades before King announced their existence. Their contributions were often overlooked by later scientists.
  3. Today, glaciers are rapidly disappearing due to climate change. In the future, people may react with similar excitement if glaciers are found in the U.S. again, as there will be very few left.

Operation Mother Goose

179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology History Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.

Agents of Erosion

219 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban Ecology Geology Environmental Impact
  1. Everyone contributes to erosion in our environment, even just by walking on steps. Our shoes cause tiny bits of stone to wear away over time.
  2. Winter weather leads to more potholes because water expands when it freezes, damaging roads. It's a reminder that even annoying things can have a positive side for nature.
  3. Roots from trees can push up sidewalks and create obstacles in urban areas. This shows how nature constantly interacts with our built environment and can cause challenges.

Ode to Our Dog Taylor

319 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Pets Nature Outdoor activities Memorials Literature
  1. Taylor was a beloved dog who loved adventures, from hiking in the mountains to running in the desert. She brought joy to her family's life through her playful spirit and companionship.
  2. After she passed away, her family honored her by spreading her ashes on a mountain she loved, celebrating her life with tequila and salmon every year since.
  3. The story highlights the deep bond between dogs and their owners, showing how their love endures even after death.

Zombie Buildings

339 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Architecture Urbanism History Art Sociology
  1. Zombie buildings are old structures that remain even after the original buildings are gone. They often have unique stories behind them.
  2. Some examples include columns from demolished churches and schools that have been repurposed or displayed. They serve as reminders of the past.
  3. These remnants show how buildings can have a lasting impact on a city, even if the buildings themselves are no longer standing.