Tag: nature

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Challenges We Found Out by Living by the Beautiful Stream

Written August 8, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Living in Nashville has unique perks and challenges, especially when you have a home like ours. Nestled close to a small stream and surrounded by a dense forest, our house offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. The forest is thick enough that we can’t even see the houses on the other side, which gives us a sense of seclusion and privacy that we truly cherish. We love the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere our location provides, but, as with all good things, there’s a trade-off—one that comes in the form of insects.

When you live in a place like Nashville, known for its hot and humid summers, you can expect insects to be part of the package, especially when your home is close to a stream. Our backyard is a haven for various bugs—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and other critters that seem to thrive in this environment. While we enjoy the natural surroundings, these uninvited guests can be quite a nuisance.

To manage the insect problem, we’ve enlisted the help of a pest control service. Our pest control service provider covers termites and other pests around our house, ensuring our home is protected. However, no pest control can completely rid our backyard of insects nor should that be the goal. There’s always going to be something buzzing around. Plus, I’m not entirely comfortable with spreading too many chemicals around, especially considering the potential impact on the environment and our health.

During our first summer in Nashville, my wife reached her limit with the insects. She’s always been diligent about yard work, including lawn mowing, but the bugs made it unbearable. She started using insect repellent religiously before stepping outside, ensuring she was fully protected. As soon as she returned indoors, she would immediately wash her clothes to avoid bringing ticks into the house. This routine became even more critical since we had a cat at the time, and the last thing we wanted was to expose our furry friend to any pests.

As for me, I’ve had a more on-and-off relationship with insect repellent. Before heading out to mow the lawn this morning, I finally remembered to spray myself down. I’ve used repellent but hadn’t noticed a significant difference in the number of bug bites, so I got lax about it. However, just last week, I found myself covered in mosquito bites, which prompted me to give the repellent another shot. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to see a noticeable bit reduction. Sometimes, it seems it takes a little persistence to find what works best.

Living near the stream and forest has its challenges, especially with insects. Still, the beauty and serenity of our surroundings make it all worthwhile. With some preparation and proper precautions, we can continue enjoying our little paradise in Nashville despite the bugs.

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The Surprising Secrets of Mangroves: A Family Trip Revelation

Sometimes, we might overlook something truly incredible because of our first impressions. I’ve been there, too, and I’d love to share a story about how my view changed during a family trip to the Keys.

When we first saw the mangroves, I’ll admit, I wasn’t impressed. They have these odd-looking roots that stick out over the water and stand in dark, shallow waters that don’t look very clean. I even joked to myself that they were called mangroves because they looked like a bunch of men trying to form a grove! It reminded me of the time I used to peek under rocks until one day; I saw a two-headed snail—both were a bit unsettling at first.

I was ready to leave to see something more interesting, such as a beautiful ocean. Then, my husband asked a simple question that made me pause: “How do these trees live in this salty water?” Honestly, I totally forgot we had been looking at the ocean until he mentioned it.

That question stuck with me for the rest of our vacation. When we got home, I started researching mangroves and fell into a rabbit hole of discovery. The only thing I can imagine is a plant-looking thing in the ocean is Kelp, and Kelp is not even a plant. I didn’t even know a plant could grow in the ocean. 

What is Mangrove, then? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (U.S. Department of Commerce, n.d.), mangroves only grow in subtropical areas or near the equator, like some parts of Texas, Louisiana, and southern Florida in the U.S. There are about 80 different species around the world, thriving in low-oxygen soil, brackish waters, and even the ocean. Their roots are super cool—they can filter out up to 90% of the salt from seawater!

I learned more about how their roots work. According to scientists from Korea (Kim et al., 2016), the Mangrove’s root membrane selectively pulls in chloride ions while keeping out most of the sodium ions at the first membrane layer. A second membrane blocks the chloride ions, so the chloride ions are trapped between the first and the second layers of root membranes. This setup causes the trapped chloride ions (Cl-) to create a massive negative charge, which attracts sodium ions (Na+) back toward the first membrane like a strong negatively charged magnet. It’s a clever system that lets air pass but keeps salt water out, making it possible for mangroves to thrive in salty environments. Researchers are even trying to mimic this filtering process through ionization to develop new water purification systems.

My research didn’t stop there. Mangroves are also home to tiny microorganisms that can withstand harsh environments and even help synthesize metallic nanoparticles with their special synthesizing pathway (Vaish & Pathak, 2023). These nanoparticles are being studied because they could be key in creating new materials to help with pollution cleanup.

Mangroves play a crucial role as natural barriers protecting our coasts from hurricanes, winds, waves, and floods. They also improve the water quality in their areas. I had no idea mangroves were so fascinating.

So, what’s the takeaway from this adventure? If my husband hadn’t asked about the mangroves, I might have written them off as creepy trees in muddy water. It’s a good reminder not to judge things based only on first impressions.

 

References

Kim, K., Seo, E., Chang, S.-K., Park, T. J., & Lee, S. J. (2016). Novel water filtration of saline water in the outermost layer of mangrove roots. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 20426. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep20426

US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (n.d.). What is a mangrove forest? Retrieved May 19, 2024, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mangroves.html

Vaish, S., & Pathak, B. (2023). Mangrove synthesized bio-nanomaterial and its applications: A review. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 20, 100866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2023.100866

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Spring’s Subtle Arrival: A Reflection

Written on January 28, 2024

As we inch closer to the end of another week, the promise of spring whispers ever so softly to us. It’s a time filled with subtle signs that herald the return of warmer days. During my recent runs, I’ve been greeted by the sight of robins, those quintessential messengers of spring, frolicking across various lawns. Their presence is a comforting reminder that spring is indeed on its way.

Reflecting on this same period last year, I recall the slightly surreal sight of these birds hopping through a light blanket of snow. It was a peculiar contrast – the embodiment of spring dancing amidst winter’s lingering embrace. I hope that this year, the transition will be less jarring, with spring taking its rightful place without the backdrop of winter’s chill.

Yet, with the arrival of spring comes the inevitable: a list of chores that seem to awaken alongside the blossoming flora. A significant part of this seasonal shift includes the resurgence of yard work. Last year, I successfully maintained our outdoor space and found the perfect balance. Our homeowner’s association, perhaps taking note of the improvements, spared us the usual reminders to tend to our yard. This small victory encouraged me to adopt a similar strategy this year.

With all its beauty and promise, spring also reminds us of the cyclical nature of responsibilities and the satisfaction derived from their fulfillment. As much as it signifies renewal and growth, it also beckons us to engage with our surroundings to care for the land that, in turn, sustains and nurtures us. So, as we stand on the cusp of this season of rebirth, I embrace its joys and demands with equal enthusiasm.

As you observe the signs of spring in your own lives, you may find joy in the simple pleasures it brings and resilience in the face of its challenges. Here’s to a season of growth, renewal, and the harmonious balance between enjoying nature’s beauty and contributing to its upkeep.