Notes from the ‘Field’ in August 2026, part 2 by Sara Wright

Part 1 was posted last week. You can read it here.

Choosing Change:

Because of such poor air quality Coalie and I walk in the morning when the air is clear or isn’t as toxic as it will be by afternoon. For the last two years the ozone level has skyrocketed due to unchecked deforestation, and the ever- worsening particulates burn my eyes.  Headaches strike as soon as the air begins to thicken. As a result, summers have become another challenging season with me prioritizing clean air over outdoor time. My Coalie has a small set of lungs and mine are aging.

 Although making this transition has been hard on the naturalist who thrives in the woodlands, the outcome is that we have adapted. I am grateful (and guilt -ridden) that raging fires are not at my door. I sense that the trees around me know their sisters and brothers are burning. I also note that when the air quality deteriorates Coalie wants to come indoors of her own accord. The lack of bird song on any day that the air is polluted is astonishing. My guess is that poor air quality is very apparent to all non – human beings.

I used to complain about my sensitivity to moderate air quality. Now I am grateful that my body makes it clear that we belong indoors, not even on the porch on ‘bad air days’ which are increasing in severity. It troubles me to watch others running or biking on the roads for fun.  Virtually all other outside work is done with air polluting machines contributing mightily to the problem. The exception is a person like me who chooses to do outside chores by hand. But only on days when the air is relatively clear. But I still drive a car.

When we spend time at the brook the air is noticeably cleaner thanks to the fragrant pinenes that are present in cedars, fir, and pines. These are aromatic compounds that cleanse the air of pollutants, assisting  clogged respiratory tracts for all.

Veteran Fred Pearce, independent environmental journalist writes for the New Scientist, and the Yale Review has traveled to 87 countries to study so called invasive species (The New Wild) and air quality among many other environmental concerns. He has written ten excellent books all of which I highly recommend. Just yesterday he informed the general public via a 30 second FB clip that because of Co2 emissions scientists are suggesting that that we are rapidly approaching a time when earth temperatures may make it impossible for all life to continue.

This dire warning really upset me because this man writes from a rare perspective, one of balance, marrying rigorous science with humor and a questioning manner, presenting both sides realistically. Historically, adopting a ‘both and’ perspective to address controversial issues has NOT endeared him to the general public. He demonizes no one.

 Unfortunately, my dreaming life, the animals and trees, as well as my own body have also been warning me about air quality since I first lived in NM. The Earth is on Fire and still we do nothing. How can we possibly continue to state that ‘we don’t know what the future will bring’ when we willfully ignore what our bodies know and are being repeatedly warned? The sweet breath of all life may be in the process of being snuffed out.

Metamorphosis?

It’s almost mid – August. When I discovered two caterpillars eating the neighbors’  newly sprayed poisoned leaves I scooped them up, brought them home and deposited them in my aquarium with clean leaves and fresh water. One pupated the first night, the second began the process a day later while friends were visiting. We were riveted to the characteristic ’J’  shape as the caterpillar began to turn jade  before our eyes. Fifteen minutes later a bright green chrysalis hung from a branch… After my friends left, I saw the speckled golden beads that ringed the capsule.

 I never expected to raise butterflies again because to do so can put them at risk, but the pesticidal poisoned leaves changed all that. There is no guarantee that healthy butterflies will emerge. I may have discovered them too late. But frankly, I am as thrilled by this process of becoming as I was long ago when I raised my first monarch as a child. Now like most everything else in my life I must let Nature determine the outcome.

Bee Study

I did not plan to study bees this summer, but got hooked last spring when these pollinators were absent due to extreme cold. My favorite little bee is a bumblebee – the one I call ‘two spot’ and when ki finally arrived with the other wild bees I was overjoyed.

Just before the bees showed up, I had a dream image of a GIANT yellow bumblebee that was staring at me with two black eyes. I should have known that once again I was being led by Nature down an unknown learning trail, this time orchestrated by a bee or the Bee Goddess herself?.

Obsessed I spent the late spring and summer identifying/cataloging etc. the flowers two spot visits. Because this little bee is a generalist who likes open spaces the places I visit are close to home and this has allowed me to be happily engaged with Nature outdoors without traveling any distance.

 Nature always seems to have plans for me that I never expect!

I will have more to say about the Bee Goddess Visitation in another post, but until then I hope readers will take pleasure reading these simple tales.