The hottest Urban Nature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Climate & Environment Topics

Neanderthals in the House

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology Urban Nature Natural History
  1. A person found part of a jawbone while visiting their parents' house, and it could be related to ancient humans like Neanderthals. This discovery shows that fossils can be hidden in unexpected places, even in our homes.
  2. Many buildings, like the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, are made from a stone called travertine that has preserved fossils of leaves and other plants. This means you can see ancient life without going to a museum.
  3. Cities like Seattle are full of building stones with hidden fossils, encouraging people to look closer at their surroundings. Exploring urban areas can reveal fascinating pieces of our natural history.

Rainshadows and other Ephemeralities

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Urban Nature Environmental awareness
  1. Rainshadows, or ghost leaves, show us signs of plant life, reminding us of the interactions in nature. They are a fascinating way to notice how the environment communicates with us.
  2. Flight maps are shadows left by birds flying above, which can help us spot them better. They add excitement to our walks as we try to find the birds that made those marks.
  3. Crows exhibit interesting behaviors like mobbing to protect themselves from predators. Observing such actions gives us insight into how animals interact and learn from each other.

Tails of the City: Part 1

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 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.

The Memory of a Tree

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 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.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 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.
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Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Urban Nature Ecology Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

Of Eagles and Terra Cotta

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Urban Nature Architecture Wildlife Art history
  1. There are many eagle sculptures in Seattle, especially made from terra cotta. They're designed to show off strength and grace, reflecting the traits people admire in bald eagles.
  2. The bald eagle population in Seattle is growing, thanks to efforts like banning harmful chemicals. People can enjoy watching these beautiful birds in urban areas.
  3. The Camlin Hotel is home to a famous terra cotta eagle, and it's just one of many artistic ways that Seattle honors this powerful symbol.

Apple of my Eye

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 27 May 21
🎭️ Culture Urban Nature Food Systems Local history Community Engagement
  1. There are wild apple trees growing along bike trails in Seattle, and they might have started from people tossing apple cores or seeds. It's a fun thought to imagine how they got there.
  2. In the past, Seattle had many orchards with a huge variety of fruits. Back in 1860, there were way more fruit trees than people, with lots of different types of apples available.
  3. Feral fruit trees still exist in the city, telling stories about the connection between nature and urban life. Some trees were once cultivated but now grow wild, showcasing the randomness of nature.

Potentially Attractive Amenity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban Nature Biodiversity Sustainability Wildlife
  1. Nature quickly takes back space when humans leave, as seen in a Seattle block filled with trees and shrubs after a building was demolished. It shows how resilient nature can be.
  2. Instead of building more structures, letting nature thrive in urban areas could create beneficial environments for both plants and animals. Less management of these spaces could lead to more biodiversity.
  3. Urban green spaces should allow nature to grow and decompose naturally. Places that embrace the natural cycle can improve the quality of life for all city residents.