Hi! I’m a city-raised, country-saved girl addicted to all things nature. The word “nerd” does not offend me; in fact, it’s a badge of honor. I’ve been doing the self-taught naturalist thing for about five years now. I’ve worked at state parks, nature centers, and been an outdoor camp counselor. I’ve lived on both sides of the country, in Eastern hardwood forests and out West in the sagebrush steppe. I’m a beach fanatic and love traveling to new habitats. I’m a self-professed tree-hugger and love all things NATURE. If it photosynthesizes, poops, or transforms over millions of years, I’m excited. My hope is that this blog will get you excited too.
I’m developing this blog out of interests that *I* have: I love discovering information about ecological patterns, worldwide flora & fauna, and developing activities for kids and adults alike that revolve around nature. I don’t have the patience to read a million scientific articles and I don’t have a job where I can sit in a field observing and recording for months on end. I bet you don’t either; and that is why I’m developing this blog. I want your interest to be piqued, your brain space to be filled, and your inner child to get fired up.
Through current nature news, articles on a variety of ecological and sustainability topics, and fun activities, this blog will regularly give you a bite-sized candy-bar of nature goodness. Interact, ask questions, and tell me when I’m wrong; but most of all, walk away from the computer and remember how incredibly intricate and awesome this gigantic world around us really is!
Posted by ellen on October 5, 2010 at 11:42 am
This is fantastic. Loved reading your, Who Me?.
Posted by theroamingnaturalist on October 5, 2010 at 11:52 am
Thanks Ellen! I appreciate your reading. :)
Posted by Sweet Medicine on November 4, 2010 at 2:01 pm
This is wonderful…see your stellar. glad to be linked
Posted by Mary on May 24, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Neat blog! Excuse me for writing here, but I could not find any contact information on your site. I have a question for you about Berry Go Round, the blog carnival about plants. Would you mind writing to me? (and feel free to delete this comment) Thanks. Mary
Posted by theroamingnaturalist on May 25, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Hi Mary! Thanks for writing – I really need to get myself an email contact. I’ve emailed you from a personal gmail account, check your spam folder if you don’t see it. Thanks!
Posted by Rikki St James on July 12, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Way Cool my friend…..ha… Great Things to Think About….ha ….I’m still laughing ,What a Great narrator…..Rsj
Posted by Jude on August 9, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Thanks so much for the info on Painted Hills. Question please: How much time I should allot at the Hills to see it? Is one day sufficient? or several hours? Of course, I’d love to stay for weeks, but I’m only in Oregon for 6 days and I there is so much to see! (thanks to your info, I now feel this is a ‘must’!) Thanks Jude
Posted by theroamingnaturalist on August 13, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Hi Jude, sorry if I’m replying too late, but for me I like to allot 2-4 hours for the Painted Hills. I like to do the three or four trails out there and including photographing and obligatory snack time, I can stay out there for quite a while. Keep in mind that it’s in my nature to stop literally every five minutes while hiking to investigate or photograph new plants, tracks, poop, or rocks. :) Hope that helps! There IS a lot to see in Oregon!
Posted by Tom on October 23, 2011 at 10:02 am
Hey TRN,
Check out this article I found. You will LOVE it. I think it would make a good TRN post. I had to use your TNR email since you never sent me your email.
http://www.cracked.com/article_19483_5-birds-with-abilities-that-put-superheroes-to-shame.html
Tom
Posted by theroamingnaturalist on October 24, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Haha, sorry Tom – I don’t check my old email so I never got yours! You can email me at zootopiajoy@gmail.com! :) Thanks for the link, I’ll take a look at it now!!
Posted by earthjanitor on November 13, 2011 at 12:05 am
Hey there,
What a great site with such a fantastic and necessary message. I’m all for positive environmentalism and you capture that notion so well with your material. Very well written too. I’ll be sure to keep up to date with your ideas and travels – cool stuff!
Kev