This blog is simply about observations around our 5 1/2 acre property, at 8700 feet elevation, in the Colorado Foothills, west of Denver.  I’ve had this in mind ever since we found our property in 2020.  Every time we would walk the acreage, watch the wildlife, catch a sighting of a hawk, or wondered the name of a wildflower, I kept thinking to learn more about each element here, each animal, bird, tree, plant, rock, mushroom, weather, history, legend, cultural uses, all of it, and write about it. 

I come at these observations not as an expert, but as a student.  I have worked in the outdoor industry of Colorado for almost 35 years and have many courses under my belt in Ecology, Biology, and Community Naturalist. Each observation and wildlife visitor brings questions, and with the internet, books, and true experts, I get answers.  I am eager to be corrected, or given more info on what I have started.  I hope for conversations and combined learning.  I am fascinated by the connections between the wildlife and their environment, each piece dependent on another.  Dragonflies are an indicator of the health of a pond, so what are the pieces that depend on each other to be in balance?  Research is a glorious rabbit hole to tumble down, one idea leading to the next.  

For the reader, I hope you learn along with me, share what you know, and look around where you live to ask questions, seek the answers, and appreciate the interconnectedness of this life on earth.  

I hope you join me also on my Facebook and Instagram pages for additional ‘Encounters’ posts. It might be just naming a flower, or encountering a salamander crossing the road. You never know what I find along the way.

All photos copyright The Abert Essays unless otherwise noted. All artwork copyright itsthemoonart unless otherwise noted.

Why subscribe?

Writing, for most who take on this medium, is about not so much fulfilling a passion, but scratching an itch. It niggles inside and either comes tumbling out or is teased and coaxed and fought with until there is something substantial to share. Writing, while truly fulfilling, is also a great deal of work. It does not appear by magic. What you see in the end is hours of research, photography, writing, editing, consulting, and wrestling with the words to convey the message as I see it.

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and website. Never miss an update. In the future, we are looking at some goodies for paid subscribers.

Stay up-to-date

You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox.

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests.

To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.