Do you have a happy place? More than one? And what is a happy place, anyhow? Read on....

Do you have a happy place? More than one? And what is a happy place, anyhow? Read on....
This instalment of the Nearby Nature Project touches on policy-making as a means to address biodiversity loss and garden "pests." I also share some birdwatching highlights, gardening successes and some cute backyard visitors.
Despite Canada's record breaking forest fire season, and the dampening effect of wildfire smoke on wellbeing, there are still plenty of opportunities to strengthen nature connectedness.
We have cancelled many nearby nature adventures due to wildfire smoke. I've also put off thinning the apples and weeding. So my time spent on the nearby nature project has been much less that usual this month. Fortunately, there was one week when we had a break from the smoke and got out and about …
It's the time of year that Calgary vegetable gardeners hopes are high: prepping the soil, planting seeds and hoping for a good harvest. About three-quarters of my garden beds are planted. I'm also making time for citizen science projects related to birds, pollinators, plants and lake health.