The hottest Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Red fur and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1377 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature Mythology Poetry Books Events
  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.

As Long as There is Life

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 859 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature Travel Hope Wellness
  1. Spending time in nature can help calm your mind and bring you peace. It's a way to focus on the beauty around you and escape from daily worries.
  2. Hope can be found even in tough situations, as shown by a past Arctic expedition. Just like finding a flower in the cold, small moments can inspire us to keep going.
  3. Facing challenges and finding renewal is possible anywhere, regardless of the circumstances. It's important to look for signs of hope and courage in our lives.

Please Accept My Application To Be Turned Loose in The Royal Forest to Root for Beechmast and Acorns

The Chatner • 1316 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Tradition Animals
  1. Rooting for beechmast and acorns in the royal forest helps improve tree growth and soil health.
  2. Being turned loose in the forest for pannage is a traditional right that fosters social cohesion.
  3. Eating acorns as a pig can help prevent poisoning in cattle and ponies, protecting their lives and aiding village productivity.

Going through the motions

Austin Kleon • 2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Nature
  1. Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
  2. Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
  3. Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.
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Africa Adventure Concept

Splattern • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Exploration Nature Personal Growth
  1. The writer plans to run from the Indian Ocean to Kilimanjaro, inspired by Toby Tanser's journey. This run is not just a personal challenge but a way to understand the significance behind Tanser's mission.
  2. The writer reflects on his travel experiences and how they shaped his view of life. He realizes that his adventures often come with a feeling of wanting to profit from other cultures, which he now sees in a more complex light.
  3. He acknowledges the legacy of those who have run or traveled before him and aims to honor that in his own adventures. This journey to Kilimanjaro will also contribute to a new children’s hospital, connecting his personal quest to a larger cause.

Festooning Ferns

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Literature Architecture Botany
  1. The Stone Bridge, built in the 1930s, is a beautiful example of WPA architecture that blends with the natural landscape. It's made from local sandstone and has striking arches that enhance its charm.
  2. Licorice ferns are unique plants that grow on trees and bridges, adding to the natural beauty around us. They were also used by Indigenous peoples for their sweet flavor and medicinal properties.
  3. In the Pacific Northwest, many plants thrive in the moist climate, often found decorating trees and structures. This shows how nature can adapt and flourish in urban settings.

Ice and owls

Austin Kleon • 2757 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Photography Nature
  1. February often feels repetitive, almost like every day is the same. It can serve as a reminder of life's cycles, feeling like we're stuck in an ice storm each year.
  2. A '30-minute noticing workout' can help people become more mindful and spark creativity. It encourages taking time to observe the world around us.
  3. With the right tools, like a spotting scope and a camera app, you can enjoy and capture nature, like watching owls in your backyard.

A window well wonderland

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Nature Lifestyle Personal Narrative
  1. The writer enjoys the view from their new apartment, especially the unique window well. It's a cozy spot with moss, leaves, and small creatures.
  2. Each morning, the writer checks on the wildlife in the window well, showing a sense of connection to nature.
  3. The writer has named a frog, Aloysius, which highlights their playful and imaginative perspective on everyday life.

I Went Canyoning in Australia's Blue Mountains (So You Don't Have To)

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 609 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration Challenges
  1. Canyoning in the Blue Mountains involves exploring narrow gorges and ravines with various techniques like climbing and swimming.
  2. Be aware that even a 'family-friendly' canyon route can be physically challenging and more difficult than expected.
  3. Challenging yourself in activities like canyoning can lead to a sense of accomplishment and create lasting memories.

Roadtripping

So Here’s a Thing • 1101 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Journey Nature Experience
  1. The journey itself is as important as the destination, offering endless joy and new experiences along the way
  2. Embrace serendipity on road trips, mixing planned elements with spontaneous decisions to make memorable moments
  3. Beware of Californian drivers, as they may exhibit more chaotic and aggressive behavior on the road compared to other states

What is the colour of water?

lifeboat • 786 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Color Nature Perception Creativity Gallery
  1. The color of water can be a blend of various colors like bronze, blue, umber, pink, gold, and silver.
  2. Different cultures and languages may perceive and name colors differently, affecting how we see and describe the world.
  3. Words and language can both reveal and limit our understanding of the world, especially when it comes to describing the ever-changing colors of water.

Monsters of the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore Nature Mythology
  1. PNW is known for its love of mythical creatures like Sasquatch and the Cadborosaurus, a sea serpent that arose from sightings in 1933. This makes the region full of fascinating stories.
  2. One funny event involved a theory that geoducks were actually eggs of the Cadborosaurus. It led to ridiculous plans to catch them using mothballs, showing how far some ideas can stretch.
  3. There's a possibility of large fish, like sturgeon, living in urban lakes like Lake Washington. This reminds us that nature holds many surprises and we often don't know everything about it.

Putting one foot in front of another

Logging the World • 976 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Physical health Mental health Exercise Nature Well-being
  1. Taking 10,000 steps daily can benefit physical and mental health by providing fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery.
  2. Walking at a slower pace allows for a better connection with the surroundings, noticing details like street art and wildlife.
  3. Embarking on longer walks can lead to unique experiences, connections with landscapes, and a sense of personal achievement.

A spring bouquet

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Nature Philosophy Creativity
  1. Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth. It's a great season to reflect on how we can create and blossom in our own lives.
  2. The interplay of light and darkness is crucial for both plants and personal growth. Sometimes, it takes more than just light to flourish; we need time to thrive too.
  3. Understand which season you're in, whether it's creatively or in life. Recognizing your current phase can help you grow and move forward.

Book Club: Some notes on the strange beauty of energy infrastructure

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Environment Nature Parenting
  1. Coal mining has a deep history and emotional attachment for many, even as we transition to renewable energy sources.
  2. Renewable energy like wind power is seen as an obvious and compelling solution for energy needs.
  3. Industrial infrastructure, even when old or decommissioned, can evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for human achievement.

Climbing London's Least Historic Hill

Londonist: Time Machine • 319 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Landmarks History Exploration Nature Architecture
  1. London's least historic hill, Stave Hill, was created in 1984 and stands as a modern mound in Rotherhithe, made from old docklands debris within a nature reserve.
  2. The area where Stave Hill now stands was previously occupied by Surrey Commercial Docks, known for handling timber imports, hence the hill's name reflecting the connection to staves used in barrels.
  3. Despite lacking a historical background, Stave Hill has a unique origin story rooted in the transformation of the industrial landscape of Rotherhithe from the 1970s.

River as a verb

The Egg And The Rock • 963 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🔬 Science Nature Space Physics Time
  1. A river is more than just a static object, it is a dynamic process that is constantly changing and flowing.
  2. Our language often limits our understanding of the world by categorizing things as objects rather than actions.
  3. The river is part of a larger cycle, influenced by natural forces like gravity and the sun, showing the interconnectedness of all elements in nature.

That’s a wrap

Splattern • 219 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration Health Community
  1. The adventure covered 1500 miles with numerous ski days and mountain passes, showing the commitment and challenge involved. It's a big accomplishment, and it took a lot of planning and effort.
  2. The author expressed overwhelming gratitude for everyone who provided support during the journey, emphasizing the importance of community and connection. It's great to feel appreciated for help received along the way.
  3. After finishing this adventure, the author looks forward to new adventures and experiences, highlighting a sense of excitement for what's next. It's all about moving forward and embracing new opportunities.

Homesteading 101: The Depths of Winter

Who is Robert Malone • 27 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Homesteading Lifestyle Animals Sustainability Nature
  1. Preparing for winter storms is crucial. You need to take care of your animals, stock up on supplies, and make sure everything is ready to handle the cold.
  2. Taking care of animals during harsh weather can be really challenging, especially when it comes to keeping them warm and fed. It requires lots of hard work and planning.
  3. Caring for newborn animals, like foals, adds extra responsibility. It's important to make quick decisions to protect them during tough weather, even if it means putting in extra effort.

Farewell Canada

Splattern • 239 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Sports Culture Nature Community
  1. The journey involved running and skiing over 1,200 miles, showing a real commitment to adventure. It was not just about the distance but also the experiences along the way.
  2. The support from strangers and friends was incredible, with many people offering help and kindness. Each act of generosity made the journey feel less lonely.
  3. The author felt grateful for the adventure and the people who contributed to it. It was a reminder of how important community and human connections are.

Green Seduction

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature History Plants Environment
  1. Plants are amazing and can be found everywhere, even in unexpected places. They are essential for life and create environments where other creatures can thrive.
  2. Experiencing and enjoying plants can really connect us to nature, especially in cities. Whether it's in our backyards or parks, plants can bring us joy and comfort.
  3. It's important to keep the language around nature alive. Losing words related to plants and nature can dull our connection and understanding of the world around us.

Desert Bloom & Howling Moon

Seven Senses • 239 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Traditions Spirituality Ceremonies Nature Community
  1. La Limpia is a cleansing ceremony using traditional methods like eggs to diagnose and release negative energies. It involves participants moving rhythmically and engaging their senses.
  2. The gathering in the Mojave desert allowed friends to support each other through grief while enjoying the beauty of nature and the simplicity of shared meals and conversations.
  3. Experiencing the vast night sky in the Mojave desert adds a magical element to the healing process, helping participants connect with the universe and find joy in renewal after loss.

A Walk In The Park

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art Essay Nature
  1. Walking can help clear your mind and inspire new ideas. Many great writers are also big walkers because it allows them to think and create.
  2. A good essay is like a walk without a strict path. You explore, get distracted, and discover new things along the way.
  3. Taking a moment to breathe and enjoy nature lets you see things differently. It's a reminder that we all need time to pause and reflect.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 153 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Events Conversation Christianity Nature Technology
  1. There are several upcoming events in 2025 in Ireland, England, and the USA focused on topics like Christianity, culture, and nature. These events include discussions, talks, and community activities.
  2. People are experiencing significant changes in technology, politics, and climate this year. Many are reflecting on how these changes make them feel and what they want to achieve in the new year.
  3. The author is curious about readers' thoughts and resolutions for the new year. They encourage open conversation about feelings surrounding current events and personal goals.

Would Cats Make for Better Dogs?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Pets Psychology Lifestyle Nature
  1. Cats and dogs have very different bodies and strengths. Dogs are built for endurance and can run longer distances, while cats have strong, flexible bodies that are better for short bursts of energy.
  2. Cats are independent and don't need as much exercise as dogs. This makes them more suited to relaxing with humans, while dogs expect more active playtime and walks.
  3. Giving a dog a cat's body wouldn't work well, and vice versa. Each animal is designed for different tasks and environments, which is why they act and serve us in unique ways.

On the Two Forms of Primitivism

Grey Goose Chronicles • 471 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Nature Spirituality Morality
  1. The text discusses two forms of primitivism: egalitarian primitivism and hierarchical primitivism.
  2. Egalitarian primitivism seeks a return to primitive as a form of levelling, while hierarchical primitivism glorifies life and engages in a struggle.
  3. Nature is portrayed as a refuge for those seeking escape from modernity, with some using it for personal solace and others turning it into a morality play.

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature History Community Arts
  1. Supporting the newsletter helps keep it going and allows the writer to share interesting topics about nature and history.
  2. Sharing previous newsletters with friends can spark fun conversations and encourage outdoor adventures together.
  3. There are different subscription options available for those who want to support the newsletter further and receive regular updates.

Capturing the Lesser-Known Golden Hour

The Planet • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature Photography Experience
  1. The lesser-known golden hour is a beautiful time for capturing unique moments in photography.
  2. Nature holds a unique magic at dawn, providing moments of peace and connection with the planet's beauty.
  3. Silence in nature can be the best company, offering lessons and solace in the quiet surroundings.

#16: Four alternatives to an Alaska cruise

Bureau of Adventure • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Travel tips Adventures Road trips Nature
  1. You can visit Alaska without going on a cruise. Alternatives include flying to Anchorage and taking a road trip to explore scenic spots like Denali National Park and Seward.
  2. Southeast Alaska offers a different experience accessed by flying or taking shorter ferries. You can spend more time in smaller towns and visit places that huge cruise ships don't reach.
  3. The Alaska Marine Highway is a ferry system that connects coastal communities. It's more local and lets you enjoy beautiful scenery while traveling, plus you can camp on the deck for a budget-friendly option.