A forest fire is raging, the smoke and ashes released into the air. To our “civilized” minds, a fire is terrifying because it’s a threat to our homes, our towns, our animals and possibly our own lives. But forest fires are a natural part of the cycle of life, and were sometimes carefully set by Read more

The salmon cycle of descent and re- turn is one of the most inspiring stories found in nature, whether you approach it as pure science or as a spiritual metaphor. Very simply, salmon fry are born in fresh water and are carried downriver to the sea where they grow to maturity. If they’re not eaten Read more

In the deep forest, we come across a “nurse stump” or “nurse log,” a tree that has fallen during a storm or been cut down. As the log decays, it provides fertile ground for new growth to take root in its dying body. Insects and fungi hurry along the decomposition process. Squirrels and other creatures Read more