The hottest Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Retrograde rocket

Austin Kleon • 3437 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

Will nobody save the world?

Neckar’s Notes • 222 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature
  1. Relying on a single hero or ego-driven collective to "save the world" is probably a misconception, since the same ego that made the problems can't easily fix them.
  2. Opening to feeling and giving loving, attentive presence matters more than clever fixes; emotional work and connection change how we relate to the world.
  3. Big crises can be catalysts for change, and by anchoring in gratitude, compassion, and small healing acts we create space for wiser, collective transformation.

WEATHER SANDWICH

Entering The Lung • 2397 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nature
  1. The author woke up to cloudy weather and described the scene in detail.
  2. The recording process for a new album is progressing well with 14 bed tracks.
  3. The author appreciates the unique weather experiences in the cold climate.

Yes

ASK MOLLY • 4441 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Birds communicate in their own way
  2. Building consensus is important in decision-making
  3. Taking time to appreciate the moment and connect with others is valuable
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Summerhome swim

Jeff Giesea • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  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.

Into the Woods

Cosmographia • 898 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature
  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.

Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature
  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.

FLORIDA, LOVELY FLORIDA

Entering The Lung • 2633 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Florida is a diverse state with incredible people, not just stereotypes.
  2. Support organizations in Florida that are working for positive change.
  3. Reflect on your biases and reconsider your views on people in your own community.

Breakfast Under The Bridge

Everything Is Amazing • 1493 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Experiencing awe can have amazing benefits for our mental and physical health. It can help reduce anxiety, depression, and improve our overall well-being.
  2. Awe helps us forget about our small worries and reminds us of the bigger picture. It lets us feel connected to something greater than ourselves.
  3. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our personal experiences. Each adventure is unique and offers its own chance for joy and discovery.

A Place For All Your Garden Questions (and All Your Garden Wisdom)

Culture Study • 1102 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. There's a new space for anyone to share garden questions and experiences. You can talk about plant problems, successes, or gardening tips with others.
  2. The initiative started as a side project to share gardening energy and tips without taking away time from actual gardening.
  3. It's important to keep the space positive and respectful, making it a fun place for everyone to discuss their gardening adventures.

Secret Sea Sanctuary

Seven Senses • 299 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  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.

ROADRUNNER, ROADRUNNER

Entering The Lung • 2319 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🔬 Science 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.

Letter From Home: April '23

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 2319 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. The magnolia tree outside Colin's house has been there for over a century, surviving through generations.
  2. The tree's history includes various owners and tenants who watched it bloom in spring each year.
  3. Colin shares a story of the box elder bug infestation in his studio that suddenly disappeared, bringing relief.

Californias

The Map is Mostly Water • 1017 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Driving in California feels very different from New England. The long stretches of concrete can be surprising if you're used to forests and towns.
  2. California has a unique mix of landscapes, where lush greenery and dry, sunny areas coexist. It's a different kind of beauty than what you find in New England.
  3. Life decisions can be really influenced by where you live. The choice to stay in one place can shape your thoughts and experiences in unexpected ways.

Bric-a-Brac 63

Yolo Intel • 1277 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel 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 Nature
  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 Nature
  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
  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.

A Calming Low Winter Sky of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2846 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. It's nice to spend time doing things that make you feel relaxed and at home, like gardening or cooking. Simple activities can bring joy and comfort, especially in winter.
  2. Trying new things, like a fun game or a good book, can be a great way to break the routine and keep things interesting. Sharing these experiences makes them even better.
  3. Enjoying time with family and friends, such as skiing and having fun moments together, helps strengthen relationships and creates memorable experiences.

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.

Back to The Wilderness

Points And Figures • 1092 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. The author shares his nostalgic visits to his family's cabin in Minnesota, highlighting the long-standing connection to the place.
  2. He recalls the challenges of staying connected while living in the woods, including the evolution from no electricity to having modern comforts.
  3. The author reflects on family memories and traditions, especially the love for gardening and the significance of planting trees that honor his family.

How to Create Space

My Sweet Dumb Brain • 1100 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature
  1. Creating physical and mental space can bring a sense of freedom and clarity.
  2. Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and boost creativity.
  3. Structure and routine can help create space for enjoyable activities in our lives.

Monkey Puzzles and Muir

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Nature
  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.

The sound of the sea breathing

lifeboat • 884 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🔬 Science Nature
  1. The sound of the sea breathing is created by billions of tiny air bubbles.
  2. The sea's interaction with atmospheric gases and weather is influenced by the waves' movement.
  3. The energy released as sound in a stormy sea comes from the impact of water onto water, creating a monumental roar.

The Rocking Out Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Suiseki is the Japanese art of displaying beautiful stones that resemble mountains or landscapes. These stones encourage people to admire nature's beauty in a unique way.
  2. Setting up a suiseki display involves careful selection of stones and bases that enhance their natural shapes and features. This process is similar to bonsai, where presentation plays a key role.
  3. Unlike living plants, suiseki stones can't die, making them a low-maintenance way to enjoy art and nature in your home. They allow for contemplation of nature's beauty without the worry of upkeep.

How To Survive The Graveyard Of Ships

Everything Is Amazing • 1072 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
📚 Literature Nature
  1. Sailing through dangerous waters can be thrilling but also life-threatening. It's important to stay focused and prepared for unexpected challenges.
  2. During a storm, teamwork becomes crucial for survival. The crew must work together to manage the boat and handle emergencies.
  3. Facing fears is part of the adventure. Even after a terrifying experience, some people choose to confront similar dangers again, showing resilience and determination.

A few pictures & stories from Iceland

Volts • 1592 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Author visited Iceland through an invitation and shares mini-travelogue
  2. Visited Svartsengi geothermal power plant that fosters an ecosystem of innovative companies
  3. The Resource Park around the power plant showcases companies utilizing geothermal resources in various sectors

Sea Change

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Nature
  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 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 Nature
  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.

Normal is what you can successfully ignore

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

Embrace the boggart!

The Mill • 845 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Embrace nature and wilderness rather than fearing it
  2. Allowing nature to thrive is beneficial for ecosystems
  3. Support for products or ventures should come from places of genuine appreciation

S.A.C.R.E.D. Mindset

Blackbird Spyplane • 1658 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature
  1. The S.A.C.R.E.D. Mindset encourages saving annoying creatures and respecting earthly divinity.
  2. Taking a moment to save an annoying creature feels much better than killing it.
  3. Practicing the S.A.C.R.E.D. Mindset involves making small gestures to show kindness towards all creatures.

Red fur and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1377 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature
  1. The newsletter discusses the joy of connecting with nature through observing red squirrels and highlights the importance of finding lightness in a heavy world.
  2. The newsletter shares information about a new oracle deck called 'The Rooted Woman Oracle' available for pre-order, which aims to deepen the connection with nature and spiritual nourishment.
  3. The newsletter promotes an online course and upcoming events focused on exploring fairy tales, mythology, and nature, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and connecting with the environment.