The hottest Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Autoscriptorium β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 23
  1. Poetry is about the line, which contains thoughts spilling beyond; the breaks and movements are perceived differently by the eye than by the ear.
  2. A.R. Ammons was a prolific American poet who had a unique background outside of the typical academic path, with origins in rural North Carolina.
  3. In Ammons' poem 'Hymn,' he explores themes of seeking unity with something beyond oneself, incorporating precise scientific language into his work.
The Digital Anthropologist β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 23
  1. Techno-Optimism focuses on using technology to evolve and overcome biological weaknesses imposed by nature.
  2. Techno-Optimists often misunderstand the origins of technology, which actually stem from nature and natural resources.
  3. Harmonizing technology with nature can lead to greater chances of human evolution and discovery, showing the importance of working alongside nature.
antoniomelonio β€’ 48 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 24
  1. Many people have a desire for grand disruptions and monumental changes, seeking to break away from the boring and predictable routine of everyday life.
  2. There is a bone-deep yearning for struggle and conflict in humanity, with a primal desire for chaos and upheaval to feel alive.
  3. Despite the dread, there is a strange hope associated with collapse, as some believe it may lead to a less exploitative and more meaningful future.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 22
  1. Birding can be fun and doesn't need to be perfect. You can enjoy simply sitting and observing while learning with tools like bird identification apps.
  2. Barred Owls are common in places like Seattle and they have a unique call that can be fun to recognize. Learning about their history adds to the joy of birding.
  3. Seeing different types of birds like the Pileated Woodpecker and Cedar Waxwing can be exciting. Watching them interact with their surroundings gives a new appreciation for nature.
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Passing Time β€’ 133 implied HN points β€’ 06 Apr 23
  1. The experience of being in nature can evoke emotions and feelings.
  2. Preparing for outdoor activities requires attention to detail and overcoming challenges.
  3. Engaging in outdoor adventures can provide a sense of fulfillment and connection with the surroundings.
intellectualinting β€’ 155 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 23
  1. The cities of Duisburg and Cologne are only forty miles apart but have different post-WW2 identities.
  2. Duisburg seems rebuilt cheaply with little historical celebration, while Cologne appears wealthier and rebuilt in a quaint European style.
  3. The nature and atmosphere on a walk along the Rhine drastically improves once outside Duisburg, with fields of flowers and crops replacing factories.
Into the Hedge β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
  1. Ticks are attracted to humans when in the woods, but there are ways to protect yourself like tucking pants into socks and wearing light-colored clothes to spot them easily.
  2. Ticks are slow-moving creatures, mostly found below the waist and tend to climb higher on the body once making contact.
  3. Active observation is key when dealing with ticks; understanding their behavior and knowing where to look can help in spotting and removing them from the body.
Based Meditations β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Aug 23
  1. Change is a constant force shaping our lives, leading to a yearning for stability and constant ideals, which serve as ideological anchors.
  2. The pursuit of truth drives human progress and curiosity, intertwining with beauty and goodness as guiding principles in our lives.
  3. Human creativity, expressed through art, structures, and belief systems, aims to impose order on a changing world, driven by the desire for expression and greatness.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
  1. Connecting with friends is important, and spending time one-on-one can strengthen those bonds. It can be nice to express desires clearly and spend quality time together.
  2. Outdoor activities like mushroom foraging and fishing can create fun and memorable experiences. They also allow for laughter and playful moments, which bring people closer together.
  3. Trying new activities, like a friends triathlon, can be a great way to bond as a group. Enjoying nature and good food together makes the experience even better.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
  1. The author received a stuffed dinosaur as a prize after a 50k race, marking a personal embrace of stuffed animals after not being into them as a child. It's a fun way to reconnect with childhood memories.
  2. During a camping trip, the author helped a woman who had lost her electrolytes and car keys after swimming. This led to a light-hearted adventure for the woman and her son, showing how unexpected situations can create memorable stories.
  3. The author learned to advocate for their own needs during weekend plans, finding it easier to express wants like finishing a hike early. This skill in self-advocacy is important for personal well-being.
Splattern β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 23
  1. The author enjoyed a run in Lone Elk State Park in Missouri, where they discovered interesting mushrooms that resembled those on their burger.
  2. They caught up with an old math tutor who shared an exciting new discovery in logic and math, which could change how math is taught.
  3. Missouri's geography is significant, showcasing limestone and being a key area for studying river flooding due to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Cornerstone β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
  1. Highland Park in Pittsburgh exemplifies a beautiful blend of closely spaced homes, walkability, and a large park.
  2. The neighborhood showcases the potential of human-scale urban planning with diverse housing types and economic integration.
  3. Highland Park's organic beauty and timeless charm highlight the possibility of creating similar communities if granted permission and freedom in development.
Natural Selections β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 25
  1. Frogs start as tiny tadpoles and then change into frogs, showcasing a natural transformation. This idea can also help us understand our own growth as we change from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The Ship of Theseus serves as a metaphor for identity and change. Just like the ship can have all its parts replaced and still be considered the same, we too can change but still remain uniquely ourselves.
  3. Humans have a long childhood where we learn by observing and imitating. Unlike frogs, we don't undergo a physical metamorphosis, but we do experience a significant evolution in skills and abilities as we grow.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jun 22
  1. A beautiful backyard can transform a house into a home. The presence of large trees and wildlife makes the space special and enjoyable.
  2. Seeing local wildlife, like bald eagles and Cooper's hawks, enriches daily life and connects people to nature. It's exciting to observe their behaviors and know they're nearby.
  3. Urban areas can still hold wildness and beauty, making life more interesting. Appreciating the nature around us can create a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Anima Mundi β€’ 82 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 23
  1. In a world focused on technology, there's a shift towards valuing humanity and nature more.
  2. Regenerative practices like biomimicry and ecosystem restoration are gaining global popularity.
  3. There's a growing trend of reconnecting with nature, opting for digital detox, and embracing regenerative approaches in various aspects of life.
Slack Tide by Matt Labash β€’ 141 implied HN points β€’ 26 Mar 23
  1. Finding solace and beauty in nature can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming negativity of the news cycle.
  2. Spending quality time with loved ones, like children, in nature can bring joy and a sense of completeness.
  3. Fishing and connecting with nature can offer a reprieve from the challenges of writing as a profession.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 22
  1. Animals move in different ways, like marmots and chipmunks scurrying quickly, while bears just stroll. Observing these movements can make us appreciate the natural world.
  2. Walking slowly and enjoying our surroundings, like with the Italian concept of struscio, helps us take in details and connect with our environment and others.
  3. Exploring a city by strolling can reveal hidden details and experiences. It's a great way to learn about new places or rediscover familiar ones.
Creating Inequality β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 24
  1. Vacancy chains are a way resources are distributed where one person's success leads to success for others too.
  2. Resources distributed through vacancy chains have common abstract qualities, regardless of species or social development.
  3. Vacancy chains are not optional but necessary for groups when resources have specific abstract qualities. These chains may occur even in unknown creatures on other planets like Mars.
memoirs & rambles β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  1. Venturing off the beaten path can lead to unique and rewarding experiences, away from touristy areas.
  2. Local tips, like those from Uber drivers, can uncover hidden gems and enhance travel adventures.
  3. Prioritizing personal enjoyment over popular attractions can result in more fulfilling travel experiences.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 22
  1. Tor House and Hawk Tower were built by poet Robinson Jeffers and deeply connect with the natural landscape. The buildings seem to rise naturally from the hillside, blending with the environment around them.
  2. Jeffers had a strong bond with nature, which greatly influenced his poetry. He wrote about the land, ocean, and life around him in a way that paints vivid images and teaches readers about the natural world.
  3. Geological elements frequently appear in Jeffers' work. He described rocks and waves with rich metaphors, showing the power and beauty of the earth, and felt a strong connection to the land he built his home on.
Sunday Letters β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 23
  1. Don't get too caught up in your goals. Sometimes, focusing too much on a single goal can lead to missing out on other enjoyable aspects or better solutions.
  2. Like trying to fight dandelions in a lawn, we can get fixated on solving problems the wrong way. It's important to recognize when a goal isn't worth the struggle.
  3. Regularly step back and assess if you're on the right path. Taking a moment to rethink can often reveal simpler and more effective options.
Bird History β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
  1. Owls have historically been associated with death and fear by different cultures, with beliefs about their calls foretelling misfortune or demise.
  2. The arrival of European settlers in America brought over beliefs about birds, like owls, being evil omens, creating a sense of fear and superstition towards them.
  3. The intimidating and mysterious nature of owls, especially their nocturnal habits and unique physical characteristics, contribute to their reputation as ominous symbols.
Based Meditations β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 23
  1. Enemies are not just human-made, but also a fundamental force of nature due to competition for survival and resources.
  2. Embracing and understanding enemies can lead to personal growth and motivation, culminating in greatness.
  3. Conflict and competition, even with enemies, can lead to creativity, abundance, and mutualistic relationships, showcasing the importance of both love and hate in life.
Ear Worm β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 23
  1. VΓ‘clav HΓ‘lek's compositions are unique and explore the artist's natural condition.
  2. HΓ‘lek combined his love for foraging with his ear for new music, composing pieces based on mushrooms, flowers, trees, and people.
  3. HΓ‘lek's artistic method gave voice to the natural world, reflecting his deep connection with nature.
Bird History β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
  1. Early European colonizers in America were captivated by the miniscule hummingbirds because of their colors and behavior, despite having no practical use.
  2. Hummingbirds are unique to the Americas, with over 350 species living in Central and South America, and only the ruby-throated hummingbird making its way up to New England.
  3. During the 19th century, hummingbirds were heavily harvested for fashion, ending with federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Sep 23
  1. Saying yes to too many plans can lead to a hectic and exhausting weekend. It's important to find a balance between activities and relaxation.
  2. Chilling out and taking a break are necessary for enjoying life. Sometimes letting go of plans helps you appreciate your time more.
  3. Reconnecting with friends can be exciting and rewarding. It's good to have a support system that encourages you to take things less seriously.