We Are Ecosystem Engineers
What does that mean?
For well over a 3 centuries the world has been inundated with the idea that humans are somehow separate from the life that exists with us on the planet. It’s been woven into how children are taught, the language we use, and the infrastructure in the places we live. We are taught that nature is something that is kept at arms length: at best it’s a form of therapeutic recovery, at worst it’s a nuisance to be rid of.
This isn’t based on some universal truth.
This isn’t even something that has ever been universal for people.
Even now, in height of said disinformation, when people are more isolated from the wilds than ever before communities are defending their ecosystems, people are fighting for animal rights, and when faced with climate crisis people are still pushing back.
The environmental destruction of the past few centuries are obvious, and true, but it doesn’t have to be this way. A different world is possible.
So where do we belong?
We Are Ecosystem Engineers.
We impact and shift the environments we move to and reside in. Like any ecosystem engineer, this can be bad or this can be good.
We have the opportunity to use this power of ours for good, but to do that we need to improve the relationships we have now.
Take the time to get to know our non-human neighbors, because you can’t love or protect what you don’t know.
Environmentalism, has long been framed as a distant action, something you pay someone else to do to protect untouched ecosystems from the corrupting influence of humanity. This false idea keeps people from protecting and coming to find value in the ecosystems right outside of their doors.
I want to help improve that relationship!
I live San Jose, CA and I spend a lot of time writing, illustrating, photographing, and highlighting California Natives. I share facts and I even tell you where you might be able to find them. I’m also always on the look out for anyone’s personal stories with our non-human neighbors.
Cedar Waxwing
All across North America, if you look up into the right fruit tree, you might spot a group of special little plump birds. Ruddy brown heads topped with a black mask that blends into grey wings and yellow bellies and tails mark the Cedar Waxwing. Not to mention the titular red waxy drops at the edge of their wings (which I failed to illustrate). You’d be…
I also take people out on Bug Hikes where we catch insects in butterfly nets, photograph and identify them. The hope is to get people to take the time to slow down and look closer. We are also spending a lot of time identifying plants and birds, so there is something for everyone.
If you want to get to know your non-human neighbors better, especially if you live in California we’d love to have you! Even if you don’t live in California, you may still enjoy the art, photography and general knowledge. I’m coming up with new series ideas and out discovering new species all the time.
What to expect
Highlights of a chosen California Native (Plant, Animal, or Fungus)
Always comes with a piece of art tied to the species I’m talking about, including Photography, Illustrations, Sketches, Doodles, and paintings depending on where my head’s at.
Personal stories about environmental relationships
Explorations of local environmental issues and projects on how to improve them
Media analyses and reviews of film, books, and other things I find relevant or interesting
Environmentally inspired art projects and my process
No AI in my art or writing
About Me
I’m a Biologist academically, an artist skillfully, and a tutor professionally. Currently, I’m trying to find my voice, and figure out how to share my thoughts in this crazy world. I’m passionate about the natural world and I love dragging people on hikes to point out bugs and birds. Now I’m trying to get some online people to come on that journey with me.
