Spring Equinox treats

Happy Spring! As the season changes to spring in the northern hemisphere I pause to notice what is going on around me.

As the bare winter trees begin to wake up one by one, you might notice: who's first.

In March, I see the Western Redbud ( Cercis occidentalis) has transformed from bare zig-zaggy stems to fully covered with clusters of tiny pink pea-like blossoms!

I've been patiently waiting for them because they are feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds!

On this particular day i decided to place a sketch of the entire young tree in the background, and then closeups of the blossoms. Not all trees have branches low enough for me to touch so it was special to take closer look at the blossoms.

In shape, the flowers reminded me of sweet pea flowers, with the similar petal structures of banner, wings and keel. It even tastes like crunching on a snap pea pod.

If you keep a nature journal, jotting down what you observe through the seasons helps develop more nature knowledge and ecology of the nature that surrounds you. You'll learn how to identify your plant friends and get to know their behaviors and seasons.

The more we slow down to notice, and develop a relationship with nature, the more our inherent connection to nature is felt.

If you want to learn more about redbud and some common backyard edible wild plants, you check this book below: Backyard Guide to Edible Wild Plants,

15% off from now until April 1 2026 with coupon code: BSO15

NOTE: Support Bookshop.org: Please consider curbing your impulse to get the cheapest deal from gigantic online sellers.

Instead, support your local bookstore, OR use this link to support Spark in Nature and independent booksellers--(Bookshop donates 10% of every purchase to independent booksellers).

Note on foraging: Please do your own research on what is edible, use your nature journal to help develop your identification skills.

International Day of the Forest 🌳

Saturday March 21 is International Day of the Forest. Celebrate trees in the coming week by visiting your favorite forest or tree.

Here's an activity you can do to connect with a tree friend:

1. Pause for a moment, and reflect on any special trees from your past.

• Maybe there is a childhood memory of tree that held as you climbed into its limbs or supported you on a tree swing?

• Or one that provided shade and fruit?

• maybe there's a special tree that comforted you in a time of grief or sorrow?

• Or one that you planted to commemorate a special event?

Or maybe its a current tree: in your yard or neighborhood that you see everyday, but you don't really notice it?

2. Visit: I invite you to visit that tree: in you mind's eye if its not nearby or long gone. But physically go to in if you can.

• Notice the shape of the crown or canopy. Does it have leaves?

• can you see the color and texture of the bark and trunk?

• Can you touch it or smell it?

• What does the roots look like? mounding up or completely hidden?

• Are there any flowers? or nests? or Birds or other animals?

3. Spark Journal: Take out your nature journal and we'll do a bit of Spark Journaling. Loosely sketch your tree --its genera; shape from a zoomed out view, and zoom in onto a small branch or leaf. Jot down your impressions. This is about the practice of noticing and building a relationship rather than a 'good' painting.

4. Curiosity: Now write the questions that speak to you and answer them in your journal.

   1. When was the last time you visited?

   2. How did it make you feel to be near this tree?

   3. Was there something about the tree that helped you?

      1. physically (food, holding your weight) or

      2. non-physically (reassurance, grounding, peace)

   4. Is there anything else that wants to be noticed?

5. Give Gratitude

   1. Place one hand on the tree and on your heart, and take a few slow breaths together. (you know that we are exchanging breath with the plants all the time, right? but this time do it intentionally)

   2. Give thanks to the tree silently or aloud,

   3. or show your gratitude with an act (like giving it water)

Remember that you're developing a connection with the tree- you're having a conversation with nature... Notice, ask, listen, connect, give thanks.

Connect with me:

• If you want to join me live for more Spark Journaling, check my calendar.

• If you prefer moving at your own timing, explore my self paced courses available here:

  
  

• For a deeper dive into learning from trees and noticing them more deeply, see Befriending Trees, here online self-paced course available for each season. Here