Eco Writing
I strongly believe that spending more time outdoors surrounded by green and growing life makes us healthier and happier.
I love to be outdoors however I can be, soaking in Nature.
As a trained Arlington Regional Master Naturalist and an official National Park Service volunteer, I regularly spend my free time improving the health of my local ecosystem in nearby parks and yards.
In my writing, I pursue a similar mission by focusing on articles and essays that promote sustainability and help us all to enjoy our planet more deeply and mindfully, along with taking better care of her diverse plants and creatures. Here are a few of my recent pieces:
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Explore Virginia’s Eastern Shore Waterways
Head to the centuries-old town of Onancock and pick up a kayak or skiff.
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Meet the Invasive-Species Squad
Purging prolific garlic mustard unites this cul-de-sac community.
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In Mallows Bay, a ‘Ghost Fleet’ of Wrecked Ships is Very Much Alive
It’s a sunny morning in August and Mallows Bay is far from spooky.
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Changing Tides
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the centuries-old town of Onancock is a good launch point for exploring the dynamic shoreline.
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Shifting Sands: Virginia’s Barrier Islands Are Constantly on the Move
The islands' presence and changeability help the coastline absorb storms and scientists to study shorebird nesting patterns and water quality.
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Rescued Wolves Have a Safe Space in the Pennsylvania Woods
Visitors to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA can see 54 wolves and wolfdogs and learn their stories.
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Welcoming Nature
By planting native species, homeowners can provide a habitat for wildlife, birds and bees—and help save the planet.
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How to Plant a Pollinator Garden
Bird and bee populations are shrinking. You can help bring them back by planting a habitat in your own yard.
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4 Ways Families Can Become Happier Travelers—According to Researchers
Post-pandemic, we all want to travel more meaningfully. One tip: Ditch the bucket list.
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Taking a Mid-Atlantic Road Trip? Stop at These Native Plant Gardens Along the Way
I love to tour gardens across the Mid-Atlantic: They help me to reimagine my little pocket of our ecosystem.
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Glide through Delaware’s Trap Pond, Home to a Stunning Bald Cypress Stand
The state park offers myriad outdoor activities, including kayak, canoe, and hiking trails, and lodging such as campsites, cabins, and yurts.
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These Are the Only Monarchs in the World Worth Supporting
Whether you’re on the West Coast or East, you can support these fascinating migrators.
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How to Plant a Pollinator Garden
An oasis for beneficial bugs and insects can improve your yard’s ecosystem.
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How to Create a Backyard Oasis
A local couple created a soothing retreat with water fixtures. Here’s how you can create yours.
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Plant Flower Bulbs Now for a Blast of Spring Color
A little advance planning can translate into gorgeous springtime blossoms.
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Plant Parenthood Takes Root
Millennials are fueling a houseplant craze, with shops and nurseries sprouting up across Montgomery County.
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7 Tips and Tricks to Make Raking Leaves Easier
Using the right tools and rethinking your approach to this chore can help.
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Keep Your Flower Garden Blooming All Season Long
Grow colorful bouquets with perennials, annuals and native species.
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Delaware Botanic Gardens: A Dream Realized
At the Delaware Botanic Gardens, a bouquet of committed volunteers combined with superstar designer Piet Oudolf and his vision to transform a creekside former farmland.
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How to Grow Your Own Herbs, Indoors or Out
Add some taste and texture to recipes and save money.
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MoCo residents, communities build beautiful and biodiverse rain gardens
Conservation landscaping helps manage heavy stormwater issues and promote native plants.
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Gordon Campbell’s Aerial Photography
The photos of this Virginia pilot and photographer are valued by homeowners and scientists alike.
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Embrace the Rain: How and Why to Plant a Raingarden
Stormwater issues are intensifying with climate change. Here's a way to beautify your yard, stave off flooding and possibly snag a tax break.
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In Search of Butterflies I Learned to Battle Invasive Species
A writer’s blooming curiosity about what’s happening in her front yard led to a healing new outdoor ritual.
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The Little WV Farm with Big Dreams
In Wardensville, Farms Work Wonders grows vegetables, businesses, and opportunities for Appalachian youth.
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Why You Need to Include Native Plants in Your NoVA Garden
Native plants are critical for pollinators. Experts share how to create a haven for them in your own yard.
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Honeybees Aren’t the Pollinators We Should Be Most Worried About
Native bees have evolved ecologically over millions of years to match the needs of certain plants. Some native plants depend on a specific bee to reproduce and, therefore, exist.
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The Buzz on Native Bees
Don’t let honeybees steal the spotlight from MoCo’s own.
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Resurrecting Southern Appalachia’s Sky Islands
Red spruce is being replanted to reinvigorate one of the most endangered ecosystems.
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A Place of Hope and Healing
On her Virginia farm, floral designer Holly Heider Chapple draws from her own life experiences to share the restorative power of blooms.
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In Praise of Dark Skies
Preserving darkness supports the wellness of both humans and wildlife.
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Beach Communities Hit by Major Storms Search for Ways to Reclaim Lost Sand
Gulf Coast counties are exploring sustainable solutions to restore impacted beaches.
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How the Indomitable Carolista Baum Saved Outer Banks Ecosystems
Fifty years ago, Carolista Baum passionately fought to create Jockey’s Ridge State Park, an unusually biodiverse ecosystem of dunes, thickets and marshes.
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Are Your Gardening Choices Hurting Arlington’s Ecosystems?
Many nonnative yard plantings do more harm than good to local wildlife. Here's what to plant and what to avoid.
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How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
Create a natural haven for feathered friends with native plants – no green thumb required.
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Enjoy the Sweet Sensations of a Stroll Through Maple Farms
Dive into sweet treats and outdoor activities at these maple sugaring farms.
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This is the Only Dark Sky Community in the Southeast
A town west of Orlando works together to preserve its views of the night sky.
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Will Osprey Chick Deaths Inspire Action on Menhaden?
Recent studies show that osprey populations that historically relied on menhaden aren’t reproducing their numbers.
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How to Invite Birds Into Your Yard
Simple changes--like adding more habitat and native plants--can boost dwindling bird populations.
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In Pennsylvania, a Melodious Eco-Resort for Bird Lovers
Escape to this birding area and culturally rich part of central Pennsylvania.
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Your Travel Decisions Can Have Positive Impact
By choosing sustainable and regenerative providers, travel means, and lodgings, you can make a difference in the places you visit.
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Healthy Ecosystems Need Their Keystone Species
From seastars to beavers to oak trees, keystone species help interconnected habitats run smoothly.
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A Mother and Daughter Chase the Chance to Relive a Beloved Memory
Retracing our past adventures on the Carolina coast, we await a sea turtle hatch.