Water Wednesday | Shark finning

Sharks – the ocean’s apex predator- are under attack! As hard as it is to look at, we must. Because only when we have the courage to confront the truth can we be compelled to act. Beyond the abhorrent cruelty of finning, it’s destroying our oceans—the life support system of our planet—because without the oceanic ecosystem’s apex predator the food chain will collapse. Shark finning is widespread, and largely unmanaged and unmonitored. The practice has increased over the past decade...

World population day: What women and girls want matters!

2023 Theme: Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities What women and girls want matters. They make up 49.7% of the global population, yet women and girls are often ignored in discussions on demographics, with their rights violated in population policies. This pervasive injustice keeps women and girls out of school, the workforce and leadership positions; limits their agency and ability to make decisions about their health and...

Shortest day, longest day….. the solstice

      It’s the shortest day of the year  in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia as an example )….. According to Dictionary.com : either of the two times a year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator: about June 21, when the sun reaches its northernmost point on the celestial sphere, or about December 22, when it reaches its southernmost point.: Compare summer solstice, winter solstice. either of the two points in the ecliptic farthest...

WATER WEDNESDAY: The Water Cycle

Following open from the World Day of World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought on 17th June – here we investigate the water cycle……   ( Source: Pinterest) The latest National Geographic Magazine features the world-sized challenge of global population growth… how we treat our water supply is a big part of that! Here are some tips on water conservation..   LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

MONDAY FACT: Truly unique Kiwi

  The Kiwi – the New Zealand (Aotearoa ) bird often used as mascot of the country – is truly unique! It has loose feathers that are more like fur and unlike other birds the feathers moult throughout the year. It is the only bird in the world with nostrils at the end of its beak. Its sense of smell is second to none. It has no tail feathers, but does have whiskers, like a cat. LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

Very real challenges of combating desertification

If drought and resulting famines are now so ‘common place’ in the news that we have become immune to their true impact – the World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought on 17th June aims to highlight the issue…   Desertification is a type of land degradation in drylands in which biological productivity is lost due to natural processes or induced by human activities whereby fertile areas become arid. More info at Desertification  Images from Pinterest. LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

Biodiversity is the focus of latest Environmental Education Journal

The Spring 2023 edition [ Vol 132 ] of Environmental Education Journal – of which I am editor – is now available for members of NAEE. This edition focuses on learning about life on Earth; its contents include: The importance of insects to general biodiversity – Nikki Banfield Curiosity and connection through nature journaling – Bethan Burton Champions of biodiversity – Jordan Allen & Allison Hands Keeping biological records – Sam Amy Shaping sustainable futures through education Matt – Darsen-Law...

WATER WEDNESDAY : Saving cranes for 50 years!

The International Crane Foundation celebrates 50 years of conservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats. “The story of the International Crane Foundation began in 1971 at Cornell University with two students who shared a passion for cranes. Ornithology students Ron Sauey and George Archibald envisioned an organization that would combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world’s 15 crane species. Over nearly 50 years, we have developed unique collaborations and led effective community-based...

TREE TUESDAY | Ponga tree fern

Ponga (Aotearoa / New Zealand ) In rongoā Māori/Māori medicine ponga gum is taken to evict parasites worming through our intestines, and the pith (the soft cellular tissue) is known as an antiseptic.   These tree ferns are usually found in dry or open-air areas in lowland to lower mountain forest throughout the North Island. In the South Island ponga is largely absent from the wetter west and south, preferring sites with better drainage. Did you know? The silver fern...

MONDAY FACT: Koala is well-equipped

  Did you know that the Australian marsupial – the koala – has 2 thumbs on its front paw!? They have two opposable thumbs on their fore paws, allowing them a better grip—essential for climbing smooth barked gum trees. Isn’t Nature amazing!!!     Find out more here      LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...