Like you, I think I am doing less harm to the planet today than I have done in the past. We are changing our ways along with science.  

I was born, grew up and went to college in Cleveland Ohio or Mistake on the Lake.  My mom, the schoolteacher, made sure we had experiences in nature despite our urban location. We visited the beach in Erie Pennsylvania, our local zoo, Sea World (in the 70’s before we knew better), local parks. Our art projects included charcoal drawings of trees, bookmarks made of beautiful Fall leaves and so much more.  The1973 Summer road trip across the US enhanced my love of nature and travel.

My recent travel to South America took my appreciation up a notch. Seeing wildlife in nature doing what they do in environments both beautiful and treacherous is indeed a privilege. 

Trips to the Galapagos and Antarctica make it difficult to go to a zoo now. Through very careful oversight and prescribed tourism, these two places allow you to get up close (6’) and personal with indigenous and non-native animals and plants. They have been born, carried, floated, adapted, and survived despite man’s early exploration and exploitation.

The tour leaders and crew are deeply committed to their work, our experience and insuring what we see remains for decades and centuries to come. They believe the more people who share the experience the more environmental advocates we will have. Trips like these change you.

How do you experience nature? Please leave a comment below.

It was interesting  to learn our guides believed Mother Nature plays a part in survival of a species or place. El Niños and Niñas adjust populations as necessary. We may read about the devastating effects of nature they view it as part of the pattern of life. The environment adapts quickly or not depending on what’s needed at the time.

On the other hand, as humans on land inhabited by fragile animals and plants, we need to allow them to thrive and not get in their way, impede their survival or Mother Nature’s plan. The stories of devastation, extinction, rebirth, and adaptation are too numerous to share here. Just know they are ongoing every day, everywhere – by the hands of humans or nature.

Learning about these places and what inhabits them is an amazing experience. Then you meet extraordinary naturalists and specialists who have the knowledge to share.

Do you know Bertie Gregory and his work with National Geographic?

I was fortunate to Bertie on the Antarctica Expedition. He, his crew, and equipment hitched a ride back from Antarctica to Ushuaia with us. Check out his current program on Disney+ Animals Up Close and recent discovery of Emperor Penguin chicks fledging into the sea from 50’  never before seen by anyone. His perspective and where he goes is how we can see, engage and enjoy nature from a new perspective.

What’s your favorite, best, amazing experience in nature?
How have you adapted your lifestyle to support a better environment?
Please leave a comment below.