April 22 is Earth Day!

There is a lot of talk about what we can do to care for the Earth, things like reducing our consumption of natural resources, re-using and re-purposing items, recycling, decreasing our “carbon footprint,” carpooling, biking, gardening and eating local foods. Funny, this is what my “Depression-era” Grandparents did, and that way of thinking is still being passed on in my family. Some may call it “cheap” or “frugal,” but hey, now it’s called “Green living”! In my housecall business, I obviously have to drive, but I try to combine trips for deliveries and vet visits with other driving needs, especially currently with all of the activities my children have around town. For more tips on reducing our impact look here.

Caring for our Earth is important as this amazing creation is our home and of any species on the planet, we as humans have the most power for change—for better or worse. Apparently there was an inspiring dance performance in the Museum of Natural History in Washington DC not long ago (
heard about it on NPR) depicting the effects of unsupported overpopulation and climate change, it wasn’t all dark and dismal though, with some awareness, coming together as a global community, working together and in the end appreciating the wonders of the world.

I love it when art and science come together—they touch our feelings and emotions along with our ability to reason and act. Good news! The same is happening right here in Ames, Iowa!

Earth Day Event in Ames Iowa - Saturday April 25th “All Species, One Earth”

My good friend, wildlife rehabilitator Marlene Ehresman, and the
Iowa Wildlife Center, in cooperation with Story County Conservation and others, will be celebrating on Saturday April 25th with an "All Species, One Earth" parade at 2pm downtown, exhibits in the library and a concert in the evening. This link has the Facebook page for the event and a great video interview with Marlene, Mark Widrlechner and Jeri Heid at the Ames Public Library. Come join us in the parade as your favorite species—animal, plant or human! Artist Molly Nagel is putting on mask-making classes with Ames Parks and Recreation and Reiman Gardens April 11 and 12. Last I checked there was still room!