The Mindful Naturalist

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“If you will stay close to nature, to its simplicity, to the small things hardly noticeable, those things can unexpectedly become great and immeasurable.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

WELCOME TO THE MINDFUL NATURALIST

I’m so glad you’re here!

Part almanac, part field guide, part outdoor curriculum, and part mindfulness practice, the Mindful Naturalist invites you to step into deeper relationship with the rhythms of the natural world. Whether it’s the return of the swallows, the bloom of camas, or the sound of snow geese overhead on their journey south I will help you and your family to slow down, pay deep attention, and build lasting connections with the place you live by weaving together ecology, reflective practices, and simple activities that encourage playful exploration.

So grab your kids, step outside, and let curiosity lead the way.

@themindfulnaturalist

A tiny winter wren sits atop a decomposing stump. Tail cocked up and "eyebrow" raised, this wren looks to be judging you.

STEP INTO YOUR NATURE ERA

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Blending natural history, mindfulness, and playful, hands-on nature activities to help you and your family cultivate a deeper connection to the living world straight to your inbox every week.

Latest Posts

  • The Journey of the Earth: Explaining the Solstice

    The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025. But, what is a solstice, anyway? I offer an explainer and some fun activities to science it up… Continue reading

    The Journey of the Earth: Explaining the Solstice

  • Yule: A Celebration of the Return of Light

    Despite our twenty-first century lives being largely removed from or disconnected from nature, I’ve noticed that the cadence of daily life is often tied to the seasons. What I love about the framework of the Celtic calendar or the Wheel… Continue reading

    Yule: A Celebration of the Return of Light

  • Go on a Night Walk with the Cold Moon

    When it rises this evening, December 4, 2025, the full Cold Moon will be a supermoon. Take a walk with me! Continue reading

    Go on a Night Walk with the Cold Moon

  • Where Do the Bees Go in Winter?

    It’s easy to help our native bees! Learn about our PNW wild bees and build a nesting habitat with me! Continue reading

    Where Do the Bees Go in Winter?

  • Atmospheric Rivers

    Atmospheric rivers can carry more water than the Amazon River! They vary in size but can be 250–375 miles wide and over 1,000 miles long. Learn more fun facts and explore a rainy day with the kids with these fun… Continue reading

    Atmospheric Rivers

  • Game: Winter’s Web

    Winter’s Web is your chance to step inside the magic of a spider’s web. With ropes stretched between trees like giant silver threads, you and your kids become nimble ninjas, slipping and sliding, ducking and twirling, trying not to brush… Continue reading

    Game: Winter’s Web

  • The Power of Play

    Navigating free play is a critical step in childhood development. For young people, play isn’t separate from learning: it is learning. Play is found in nearly every species across the animal kingdom. You know this from watching your puppy chase… Continue reading

    The Power of Play

  • Getting Started with Nature Journaling

    Observing and recording your thoughts about the world around you will help you slow down. It makes you look and look again. It’s an opportunity to get still, be quiet, and pay close attention to what lies all around you. Continue reading

    Getting Started with Nature Journaling

  • Sit Spot Prompt: Listen to Bird Song

    A Sit Spot is your secret doorway into the wild world right outside your door. It’s magic is in the waiting. The longer you sit, the more secrets nature reveals. Continue reading

    Sit Spot Prompt: Listen to Bird Song

  • The Mystical Nature of Nature

    This tiny bird is only about four inches long, but has had an outsized place in my life. Continue reading

    The Mystical Nature of Nature