The hottest Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Saved by the shrimp scampi

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. The community in Marblemount is very welcoming. The support and kindness from local people made a big difference during a tough time.
  2. Experiencing low times can lead to higher ones. Feeling lonely changed quickly into feeling accepted and at home with new friends.
  3. It's important to find balance in life. The winter storm provided a chance to rest and recover from previous stresses.

The Community of Air

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Nature
  1. The documentary 'All That Breathes' highlights the powerful connection between empathy and ethics in caring for wounded birds.
  2. Noticing the suffering of the natural world is a crucial step in understanding our place in the Anthropocene era.
  3. The High Seas Treaty signals a transformative shift by regulating human activity to protect ecosystems in the deep oceans.

Eagles find inviting atmosphere in Ohio

This Week in Birding • 98 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Bald Eagles in Ohio have found an inviting atmosphere and the community is respectful and protective of them.
  2. Bald Eagle population restoration in the Midwest, including Illinois, can be attributed to efforts in Ohio.
  3. The Great Lakes Piping Plover breeding season is approaching, with sightings suggesting a successful banding effort.

The Tao of River Trash

The Recovering Academic • 98 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Carol Dweck emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset with the phrase "the power of yet." It's crucial to shift from a fixed mindset to embrace growth, especially in challenging transitions like leaving academia for personal growth.
  2. River trash can offer a new perspective and teach valuable lessons. Collecting litter along the riverbank can spark reflections on individual choices, consumer behavior, and environmental impact.
  3. Engaging in service activities, like cleaning up trash with a group, can foster a sense of community and shared purpose. It goes beyond just physical cleanup, creating connections and learning opportunities.

Edu-Snippets

The Science of Learning • 139 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🚌 Education Nature
  1. Giving students worked examples in math can help them feel less anxious and learn better. It makes math easier for those who usually struggle with it.
  2. Being in nature can help people feel more relaxed and focused, while watching videos of nature doesn't have the same benefits. For real restoration, you need real nature.
  3. Brain training apps may help you get better at their specific games, but they don’t really make you smarter in everyday life. They haven't shown strong proof of boosting general brain skills.
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Ode to Our Dog Taylor

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Nature
  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.

The joy of open spaces (Road note 3: Wyoming) 

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Wyoming has a beautiful but harsh landscape. While there are stunning views and a sense of freedom, it also feels lonely and rugged.
  2. Many locals take pride in living in this challenging environment. The differences between rural Wyoming and busy places like California can lead to interesting conversations.
  3. Despite the open spaces, there are many fences and restrictions. This makes you feel like the land is controlled and not as free as you might expect.

Snohomish and Lake Stevens

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. The author is on a running adventure, experiencing new places and meeting friendly people along the way. They appreciate little acts of kindness, like getting donuts and a home-cooked meal.
  2. They reflect on personal growth, expressing how their journey feels like a mix of reconnecting with nature and embracing a simpler lifestyle while still having fun.
  3. The adventure includes moments of preparation and safety, showing a balance between exploration and mindful living, like camping and enjoying local foods.

Walking South Korea's Jeju Island

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Jeju Island in South Korea has more to offer than just being a touristy destination
  2. Exploring Jeju's Olle Trail provides a unique way to experience the island's natural beauty and culture
  3. Despite initial similarities to other Korean cities, Jeju City holds its own distinct charms

Why enchantment?

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 279 implied HN points • 23 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature
  1. Enchantment is an attitude of mind that can be cultivated by anyone, allowing them to approach the world with wonder and creativity.
  2. Living an enchanted life involves embracing belongingness to a rich world, participating whole-heartedly in life's adventure, and respecting nature and community.
  3. Choosing to live an enchanted life means falling in love with the world again, nourishing one's psyche, and recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

The Icy Hand of Death

Into the Hedge • 59 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. The difference between dormant and dead is a matter of degrees.
  2. Death's icy hand struggles to reach deep enough to pull lingering life out of the fig's roots.
  3. Moving the fig to a new location with less death's grip can be a compassionate act with underlying motivations.

The appreciation of rocks

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Rocks can tell us a lot about how things are built and how they should look. A stable pile of rocks feels solid, while a poorly built wall can look off or unstable.
  2. When things seem inconsistent between their appearance and their structure, it creates a feeling that's hard to ignore. This can happen in many areas, like furniture or buildings.
  3. Understanding the different types of not-knowing helps us make better decisions. Just like with rocks, recognizing when something feels off invites us to learn and improve how we build or create.

Ode to a Desert Yard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Visiting a desert yard brings joy through its unique plants and wildlife. The variety of cacti and the warmth are comforting and interesting.
  2. Wildlife like javelinas, doves, and coyotes create a lively atmosphere. Watching these animals and their interactions adds excitement to the experience.
  3. The desert environment teaches about adaptation and observation skills. Each visit inspires curiosity about nature and its different forms.

Little Cabin in the Big Woods

The Analog Family • 139 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Spending time in a rustic cabin can help you realize how little you actually need to feel happy and fulfilled. It’s nice to unplug and enjoy nature.
  2. Being in a simple setting allows for more family bonding and fun activities together, away from distractions like screens.
  3. Reflecting on a simpler way of living can remind us of what is truly important, like connection to each other and the environment.

The Poetic Plant

To Asra • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Nature
  1. Wordsworth's poetry focuses on the connection between the natural world and human emotions, portraying nature as a source of solace and vitality.
  2. Hardy's work presents a melancholic and tragic image of nature and plants, emphasizing themes of universal loss and the frailty of existence.
  3. Both Wordsworth and Hardy depict the poetic plant differently, with Wordsworth highlighting vibrancy and independence, while Hardy explores decay and mortality.

Invitation to Quantum tea on Tuesdays: Copenhagen Interpretation versus Others.

Quantum Formalism • 59 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🔬 Science Nature
  1. Quantum Mechanics has been a source of ongoing debate among scientists over the best way to interpret quantum phenomena.
  2. The Copenhagen interpretation, led by Bohr, is widely accepted but alternative viewpoints like the Bohm interpretation and many-worlds interpretation are also important to consider.
  3. Zaiku Group is hosting 'quantum-tea' meetups to discuss Quantum Phenomena beyond the Copenhagen interpretation, exploring other innovative theoretical frameworks.

The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C.

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Nature
  1. The grandmother was deeply connected to nature, teaching her granddaughter to appreciate and respect the natural world.
  2. The grandmother's love for writing and poetry was a significant part of her life, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful nature poems.
  3. The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C. reflects a deep love and devotion to the mountains and the land.

What are the Limits to Growth?

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 416 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Nature
  1. The debate of growth limits involves prophets advocating for living within our means and wizards innovating to overcome limits.
  2. The sustainability question divides opinions - from Cowen's optimism to concerns about exponential growth and hitting future limits.
  3. The distinction between Progress Studies and Transhumanism showcases a shift from wizards versus prophets to wizards versus transhumanists, creating new fault lines in technological advancements.

The Conspiring Seasons

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Nature
  1. Keats personifies the natural world in his poems, viewing seasons as entities with agency
  2. Observing the intricacies of nature, Keats depicts the characters of seasons and other elements in his poems
  3. The poems showcase an interconnected relationship between seasons and non-human beings in the natural world

Yr Ochr Arall / The Other Side

Fathom • 78 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. Gwendolyn struggles with economic challenges and feelings of guilt
  2. Gwendolyn's sons have unique personalities and connection with their absent father
  3. Dylan communicates with his deceased father, affecting Gwendolyn emotionally

The Very Flowers of Imperialism

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📚 Literature Nature
  1. Romantic poets like Wordsworth explored imperial themes in response to political events and societal changes.
  2. Wilde's work reflected the Victorian era's pinnacle of British imperial power and the strain of sustaining it.
  3. The shift from nature-based Romanticism to artificiality in literature symbolized the decline of humanity's connection to the natural world.

Welcome to Squamish

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. The traveler has arrived in Squamish and plans to continue to Whistler while the weather is nice. It's a great opportunity to explore new places.
  2. A kind woman, Danna, offered the traveler hospitality, including a shower and dinner, which shows the generosity of strangers. It's nice to see people helping one another.
  3. Danna's background as a wildlife biologist highlights her connection to nature and understanding of nomadic life. This shows the importance of community and support on the road.

Musings from past

10x your mind • 59 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. The author finds writing as a creative exercise and a way to connect with readers late at night on Thursdays.
  2. The post shares a poetic reflection from a past evening run, expressing unity with nature and surroundings.
  3. The author conveys a message of seeking creativity and inspiration from past works during times of writer's block.

Savoring the Unsavory

Passing Time • 301 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Sharing experiences in the outdoors can create strong bonds and meaningful memories.
  2. Challenges and setbacks during adventures can lead to unexpected lessons and personal growth.
  3. Embracing the imperfect moments and finding joy in unexpected situations can add richness to an experience.

The Spirit of Audubon

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. During the Silent Film Era, the Audubon Society and other conservation-minded individuals created films to entertain, educate, and promote bird conservation through dramas and documentaries.
  2. Filmmaking played a crucial role in promoting bird protection and educating the public during the early 1900s, with nature documentaries and dramas used for classrooms, lectures, and theaters.
  3. The film 'The Spirit of Audubon' showcases how Audubon societies embraced movies to spread bird knowledge, showcasing a shift towards using films as an educational tool to engage the public and especially children.

Who Birds Are: How Ornithologist J. Drew Lanham Unites Poetry and Science

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📚 Literature Nature
  1. J. Drew Lanham combines poetry and science to deepen our understanding of nature. He believes that science and poetry both come from the same curiosity about the world.
  2. Lanham's poems invite us to feel connected to the animals he studies, showing that there's more to nature than just facts and observations. He encourages us to empathize with nature and see ourselves in it.
  3. He promotes a view of nature as a spiritual experience, where understanding life, death, and renewal can bring comfort and insight. His approach challenges us to engage with the natural world fully.

Sacred rocks and parking lots.

Neckar’s Notes • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Places can have a strong spiritual energy that affects how we feel. Sometimes, this energy comes from the place itself, and other times it grows from how people interact with it.
  2. Experiencing a sacred place can be surprising, and it often stirs strong emotions, even in those who might not know much about it. It's important to remember to respect these spaces.
  3. Connecting with others in these places can change our initial reactions. Instead of isolating ourselves, talking with people can lead to new understandings and shared experiences.

Leaving Eden

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 340 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Nature
  1. Nature is not peaceful; it involves horror, pain, and destruction.
  2. Animals in the wild don't have graceful endings or retirement plans.
  3. Understanding historical atrocities is crucial to prevent them from happening again.

What storm?

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Spending time with friends in a new community can bring joy and help you feel at home. It's great to connect with others and enjoy the little things together.
  2. Being present in the moment is important. Letting go of worries and enjoying the day can lead to beautiful experiences.
  3. Small acts of kindness, like cooking a dream meal for someone, can strengthen friendships and show gratitude.

Reflections from Limbo

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Being in a state of limbo can feel confusing and purposeless, especially when you're unable to pursue your usual activities like running. It's important to find new ways to create purpose during these times.
  2. Connecting with nature can be a powerful experience for personal growth. It can lead to reflection on the risks we take and how community and culture can better support those transitions into adulthood.
  3. Sharing your journey with a community can be both helpful and challenging. It allows you to gain support and knowledge while also being more open about the risks involved.

To Hear a Mockingbird

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Mockingbirds have been historically admired for their exceptional singing abilities and have been common in American literature and culture.
  2. The practice of capturing mockingbirds and keeping them in cages was prevalent in the past, especially in the South, highlighting a complex relationship between humans and these birds.
  3. The symbolism of mockingbirds as innocent and pure creatures, as well as their protected status, led to their conservation and expansion into new habitats, promoting the importance of wildlife preservation.

Crossing Vultures

Into the Hedge • 59 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. The author attracted vultures by burying a pig's skull for a woodland harvest spell, which led to an unexpected situation.
  2. Vultures were drawn to the skull and caused a disturbing atmosphere on the farm by harassing geese.
  3. By taking action to secure the skull and prevent further disturbance, the author managed to resolve the vulture issue.

New strange fruit

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. Starting a new work project can feel exciting but also bring sadness for what you might miss out on. It's okay to miss those joyful moments while focusing on your goals.
  2. Running to work can be a refreshing way to exercise. It feels good when your workout also helps you reach your destination.
  3. Taking ownership of your work can be empowering. It means you get credit for success and learn from failures all by yourself.

The shadow of the valley

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🏝 Travel Nature
  1. Camping trips can lead to altered states of consciousness by breaking away from daily routines and distractions like the internet, allowing us to explore different aspects of ourselves.
  2. Human capability to adapt and change is highlighted by observing the ever-evolving nature of deserts like Death Valley over time.
  3. Nudity serves as a unique symbol of human adaptability and creativity, showcasing our ability to mold and interact with the world around us in distinctive ways.

To Look on Nature

To Asra • 58 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📚 Literature Nature
  1. Wordsworth and Hardy's poetry reflect different perspectives on nature and humanity
  2. Wordsworth's view of plant life emphasizes its agency and connection to human existence
  3. Hardy's portrayal of nature is more tragic and melancholic, contrasting with Wordsworth's celebration of life

The World Modernity Ended

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Nature
  1. The author appreciates the freedom that comes from stepping away from social media, leading to more time for focused reading and thought.
  2. Books discussed explore how modernity has changed our relationship with nature and spirituality, questioning if the benefits of modern life are worth the losses we’ve experienced.
  3. There is a sense that modernity might be ending with the rise of digital communication, prompting a need to reflect on how we engage with technology and what we might reclaim from the past.