By Jane Valencia Nadja Vol Ochs. Photo by Dawn Stief In Part 1, printed in our March issue, we heard the story of how Nadja Vol Ochs came into nature connection work and onto the Island. In Part 2, we learn about her role as new executive director for the Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP). Stacey…
We asked Nadja to explain what a nature connection core routine is, and to tell us a little about the two routines referred to in the article, Meet Nadja Vol Ochs, Vashon Wilderness Program’s New Executive Director, Part 2 By Nadja Vol Ochs Core routines or routines of connection are simple, repeatable practices that help…
By Anthony Latora As the days stretch into longer light and the warmth in the air begins to carry the fragrance of new blooms, nettle rises from the somber earth. For many, this plant is known through accident, or by the warnings of caregivers who remember its sharp, lingering sting. Yet what if that very…
By Anthony Latora As I prepared to move to New Mexico in June of 2016, I searched for an herbal book about the local plants I might encounter. After a bit of digging, I settled on “Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West” by Michael Moore. Little did I know that moving to New Mexico and…
By Jane Valencia Laurel’s First Nettle Cake, with Lilac on top – Photo courtesy of Laurel On a glorious day one May, Laurel made a nettle cake, and wished to share it with friends. I love nettles, and the thought of a cake made with this vibrant green and generous herb delighted me so much,…
By Rocky (Donna) Liberty At 3:30 p.m., I realized the time and charged to the beach to capture the last bit of day. Walking south towards the light, I scoured the beach for aggies, shells, and the odd bit of interesting glass. Curiosity and the thrill of discovery have always spurred me to walk miles…
By Richard Odell We know them mostly by their strange profile, if we know them at all, rising singly, here and there, above the dense skylines of Douglas Firs, their rounded, shaggy heads in contrast to the pointed spires of their surrounding neighbors. They are the rare and “true” firs, Abies grandis, of Vashon-Maury. A…
By Anthony Latora Sometimes my days are shifted due to unexpected visitors. The strange part is – you only know they were there because of what’s left behind: a small impression, remnants of a meal, stems left shortened by someone browsing. So many clues – some subtle, some obvious. One track in the sand and…
By S. E. Reid Aside from being one of the most widely recognizable saints in history, Saint Francis of Assisi is typically used as an enduring symbol of holy ecology and love for Creation. According to the legends about his incredible life, Francis preached to the birds, extended compassion to a ferocious wolf, and surrounded…
By Monica Schley I am so pleased to be included in Lakewold Gardens’ 2025 Poetry in the Gardens. Each year, Lakewold invites local poets to submit original poems to the Winter Garden Poetry competition. My poem, “An Edible Garden” was accepted and is now installed in the Garden’s self-guided tour. You can listen to the…