Being an avid non-runner, I look for opportunities to avoid the exercise at all costs. However, with the Sloth Army Running Club in full swing and meeting twice a week for runs, I can’t escape it. Coming up with running workouts on Thursdays is pretty easy, I have a slew of them. Coming up with interesting longer runs for Sundays is somewhat more difficult. I decided for today’s trail run, I’d revert a little to my background as an educator/naturalist and give an interpretive narration throughout the 2 mile run. Continue reading Interpretive Nature Run
Tag: wildlife refuge
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 82: Not Your Typical Earth Day
It’s a long drive from Whidbey Island to Portland, Oregon. And even in a Prius, it’s not the most environmentally friendly way to spend the one day out of the year dedicated to conserving resources and doing your part to protect the planet. But this year was not your typical Earth Day, and I was on my way to fulfill a few promises. Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 82: Not Your Typical Earth Day
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 69: Beach Naturalist
There is something about water, whether it’s a river, lake, or ocean, that completely draws me in. Since I was a child, I have loved anything to do with the water. It seems so natural that I would find my home here on an island. Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 69: Beach Naturalist
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 41: A Fond Farewell
I had my last official shift at the Wildlife Refuge, and even though I’m going back for Book Club and Naturalist Training next week, I felt like it was sort of a “last chance” kind of day. It really was a crummy day on the refuge with rain squalls, but that was okay for me.
Even when I couldn’t find the new eagle nest with the clouds and rain, I was still happy to reminisce about my memories throughout the seasons. Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 41: A Fond Farewell
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 40: Haiku
I have some homework I need to do for my Naturalist training that I am avoiding because of all the rain we’ve been having. I need to do a sit spot, but sitting still for even just 20 minutes is similar to yoga, and we all know how I feel about that. I also have to finish my Trail Head Talk, which I’m not completely worried about because I already know what I want to say, I just need to write it all down so I don’t forget the little details. But one thing I was asked to do that I got inspired to complete was a haiku. It didn’t have to be about the refuge, or being a naturalist. But of course, when inspired to do a haiku for a Naturalist training course, it’s bound to be nature related. Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 40: Haiku
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 39: Looking for Four-Leaf Clovers
As a Wildlife Refuge Naturalist, I get to rove the trails at the refuge, and point out interesting things to visitors. It’s easy to recognize the eagles as they soar above. And in the rare instance that a deer has crossed my path, I have taken notice. But, I sometimes find it difficult to notice the hard-to-see gems, like mink, owls, or salamanders. And I realized, it’s because I’m usually too busy looking for four-leaf clovers. Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 39: Looking for Four-Leaf Clovers
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 6: Experiencing Nature 101
Today I volunteered at the Wildlife Refuge, something I regularly do on Saturday mornings since Chris is usually at his open studio. While at the refuge, I started reading a book called “Bird Watching for Dummies”. It was a quick read, but maybe not the perfect one for me to get hooked on Birding as a pastime. There are several other Birding Basics books at the store where I work, so I feel I have plenty of time to explore the possibility of becoming a birder. Honestly, if anyplace is going to turn me, it’s the Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge. 
I was considering writing about Birding today, but I only read one book and I don’t have enough information. But reading the book reminded me of an important aspect I developed for EarthFit, which is “Experiencing Nature”. And with that came, wouldn’t you guess it, a list! Continue reading 100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 6: Experiencing Nature 101