The Nature Educator

What’s the deadliest weather-related hazard for humans? Extreme heat! The last 10 years have been the hottest on record, and people living in cities are experiencing it the most intensely. When rising temperatures, buildings/cities and sparse tree canopy coverage combine, the result is trapped heat. This is known as the urban heat island effect.

Trees can help reduce heat by naturally cooling through shade and by releasing moisture through their leaves. This is why the Arbor Day Foundation is strategically planting trees in areas that need them the most. Planting trees near streets, homes, and buildings can also reduce energy use and improve air quality which can be exasperated by excessive heat.

Learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation and support their work by visiting arborday.org (link in bio)

What an emotional rollercoaster. This grizzly bear family got separated while hunting salmon in a river flowing through Katmai National Park. The mom and two cubs were frantically looking for each other. They were so close, but couldn’t see each other through the terrain. When cubs are separated, the risk of male bears attacking cubs increases significantly as the mom cannot protect them. Male bears do this to remove genes from other male bears, and to trigger estrus (heat) in the mother so they can breed. A male bear did appear while this family was separated, which had our whole group holding our breath in fear for these little cubs. Luckily, after about 20 minutes, the mom found her cubs and they were happily reunited!

Let’s help our feathered friends out! Many regions are experiencing extreme heat, which is very challenging for many species to endure. Providing additional water sources gives animals a chance to hydrate and cool down.

For the past few months, I’ve had this Birdfy out which many different bird species have stopped by to enjoy! One of the two solar panels power the water fountain feature, which helps let the birds know about the water source. The second solar panel powers the two cameras, so you can see who stopped by and observe the birds from a unique perspective. You can connect the bird bath to the Birdfy app, to watch and identify the birds that visit!

Use code BYNATURE for 15% off with Birdfy!

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This little one made my day 🥹

HOW did this happen?! Sea stars lose their legs from predators nibbling on them, but they can also intentionally remove them to escape predators and to reproduce. They are able to grow their limbs back! This process can take up to a year, or even longer. Most species require the central body to be intact, but some tropical species can grow a new starfish from just a portion of a severed limb!

Have you seen sea stars with less limbs before?

Sea potato, brown brains, and sea cauliflower are all wonderful common names for this funky brown algae! Which is your favourite?

Leathesia marina grows up to the size of a tennis ball on rocks or on other seaweeds in the intertidal zone from Alaska to Mexico.

They’re basically San Diego’s celebrities 🦭. La Jolla Cove is home to a California sea lion colony which unfortunately ends up in the news as tourists get too close to these beautiful creatures and their pups. Unfortunately, there is no laws here regarding distance to pinnipeds, so visitors often get way too close which results in human/wildlife conflicts and stress on the sea lions. During my visit, I kept my distance by staying off the beach and sticking to the walking path.