One of the reasons trails matter is because, when done well, they directly and indirectly contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. The key phrase here is “when done well.” Having a positive impact requires intentional actions by designers, managers, and the people using trails. With a little knowledge sharing, everyone involved can understand and boost how trails can contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Woodpeckers and Wonder
Wonder is a state that seems to be slowly drifting away from our daily life. One reason is that in our modern, slightly cynical world, Google makes it easy to quell wonder and replace it with facts and information. Singer Tom Waits, believes we have a “deficit of wonder”.
Botanical Communication: How Trees “Talk” to One Another
It is difficult to understand how so many things can be kept in harmony in a dense forest without any form of communication. It is no wonder that researchers have discovered that plants, in particular trees, do actually “talk” to one another.
How an Unexplored Marvel of Nature is Lost Forever
Brahmneshwar Nath Mahadev temple is a pilgrimage for residents of Central India, especially during the Mahashivratri festival. People from nearby areas come to offer water and prayer to Lord Shiva.
A Balm for Your Body and Mind
Lemon balm has a particularly long history of use in Europe. It was considered the herb of the goddess Diana, and the herb that assisted ancient bee keepers in keeping honey bees happy and well fed.
The Gifts of Comfrey
Comfrey is considered a premier first-aid herb. It rebuilds tissues, stops hemorrhaging and helps heal wounds, sprains, fractures, bruises and stomach ulcers.
Learning in the Community Garden
A little boy, maybe 4 or 5 years old, asked me about the bees. Then he saw the little star-shaped blue flowers of the borage plant nearby. I bent down and told him, “You can eat these. They are tasty and good for you.” He looked at me kind of wide-eyed and said, “Really?”
Passionflowers
The Aztecs were the first recorded to have used the Passionflower as a medicine. Spanish doctor Nicolas Monardes documented the use of Passionflower in Peru in 1569 and brought the plant back to Europe, where it eventually became widely cultivated.
The Beautiful, Powerful Coneflower
As a child, I remember being drawn to Coneflowers’ showy, mostly purple flowers. My hands would pet their heads and glide across the petals. In high school, I worked in a plant nursery and noticed how little care they needed to thrive.
Catnip: It’s Not Just for Cats
Catnip is not just for cats. It makes a nice tasty bedtime tea, and also has a number of healing properties. Catnip has a long history of use in Europe and North America.
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