Author Archives: Rachel

About Rachel

I'm a writer, naturalist, and mama of two tots living in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia.

Skiing and the Shrew

I misspoke already, it should read, “Skiing and Shrews.”  Twice this month I have encountered shrews while cross-country skiing.  Once, in the moonlight, skiing on the groomed tracks at Apex, a tiny dark blur marred the white landscape.  The shape … Continue reading

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Filed under Mammals, moon, winter

Solstice

Both the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year began early this morning, the morning of the winter solstice.  The word solstice is relatively old in English, dating back to the 13th century.  Solstice derives from … Continue reading

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Filed under astronomy, fall, spring, summer, sun, winter

Niches Love Species

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Filed under environmental education, Mammals

Visions of Moose

Driving home late after our annual Christmas trip to Oregon, we glimpsed our first Canadian moose.  Right after my husband said “That’s much too large to be a deer.  Whoah, what is that?” I answered.  “It’s a moose.  Holy Sh*%.  … Continue reading

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Filed under deer, Mammals, winter

December with Toddlers

December at our house involves lots of festive engagements, from choir concerts to school parties and stage productions.  We have been so busy and so full of sugar it is amazing to feel suddenly released  this week when winter vacation … Continue reading

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Filed under winter, birds, moon, full moon, owls, environmental education, snow and ice, nature indoors

Nature Indoors

Thank you to everyone who attended our first Nature Babies Indoors today at the Family Place – it was certainly WILD and lots of fun too I hope.  I’m excited to get back outside on Monday and hope we will … Continue reading

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Filed under bears, environmental education, mittens, nature indoors, poetry, snow and ice, winter

MURMURATION

 

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Filed under birds, poetry

Hi Bear!

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Filed under bears

Feast

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Filed under birds

Yarrow for your Achilles Heel

Spring has finally sprung here in BC, so I am finally able to complete the assignments of my online herbal first aid course with Susan Weed. Our fist assignment is to learn about vulnerary and hemostatic herbs. Vulnerary herbs help … Continue reading

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Filed under foraging, herbal medicine, spring