Walks in the Woods

I really enjoy my job and I realize not a lot of people can say that. One part I find especially rewarding is when I get to show others what we're doing on the ground.

I love watching people experience nature.

As I mentioned before, I'm trying to pick up my camera more this year and that includes photographing my work more! Why wouldn't I, really. I get to work in some of the most beautiful biodiverse ecosystems in the world!

So here are some photos from a rainy day in the Raccoon Creek watershed. Raccoon Creek is unique because the biodiversity is off the charts, most of the watershed is in protected land, and it's still technically in the Atlanta Metro.

Any day I get to spend in Raccoon Creek is a privilege.

Tulum

Keaton and I just got back from a 9 day vacation in Tulum, Mexico.

I've wanted to go to Tulum for a while now because it always looks so dreamy and boho and just super relaxing.

It did not disappoint!

The food was incredible, the beaches are breathtaking, the jungle is wild, and you can bike to everything. This is maybe the most perfect vacation spot... We stayed at two different Airbnbs while we were there, one in the jungle and one in the pueblo.

The beach is obviously amazing but we were surprised by how much time we spent in the cenotes. Throughout the yucatan there is a large underground river system and as sink holes or pits have formed, it's exposed the groundwater, creating these beautiful swimming holes! Such an awesome way to cool off and an awesome spot to see birds (and bats)!

Many delicious cocktails were had, many tacos were consumed; what more could you ask for?!

[ At the end of this post I'll include a list of "Must See/Eat" in case you're looking to take a trip to the Yucatan ]

Field Work

Y'all.

I LOVE my job.

I've been working full time for The Nature Conservancy for almost a year! I wanted to share some photos from random field days here and there. I'm still a little nervous to take my camera in the field with me, just because you never really know what to expect! It could be a really easy, chill day on the river, or you could flip your boat trying to save an elementary school kid from losing their lunch... you just never know! So most of these photos were taken on my phone (in a Lifeproof case, which is a total necessity these days).

Going Home

We traveled home for Christmas like we do every year. It's about a 13 hour drive to Dallas (where my family is) and then another 3 hours to Oklahoma. It's a haul but it's worth it for so many reasons!

One of the highlights is getting to drive out to the Wildlife Refuge.

I love going to the Wildlife Refuge when we're home, even in the winter. People think of the prairie as being sort of barren but even in the winter it's so alive. The neon green lichens stand out even more than they do in the summer or spring. And I always forget how much easier it is to spot birds on the prairie. In Georgia we have tall thick forests (which I love) that make it difficult to find the source of a bird call.

I just love it. I'll always love it. Those little mountains are why I fell in love with nature and they'll always be home.

Livin The Dream!

Last weekend I got to travel down south to the Gulf of Mexico and help out with some seagrass research! It was to give me an idea of what I'll be doing next year when I start working on my thesis (EEP! I am still working that out...). So this is small taste of what you're going to see all next spring and summer! ;)

Following your dreams is so wonderful. I highly recommend it. 

-Listening to Feist: Cicadas and Gulls-