Texan by Nature

#Repost from our Community Contributor, Aanjaneya Chaturvedi! *** ??What’s lurking in your Texas wetlands? ??Oh, just some of the coolest wildlife EVER! ??These Texas creatures play a crucial role in protecting our water quality & supporting the habitats we rely on for our families and communities. ??As an agriculture consultant I always look out for frogs and other invertebrates when i’m out in the field. ??frog populations indicate a healthy ecosystem - tadpoles eat algae while frogs help control insect populations! We don’t often consider our impacts on biodiversity in working lands and urban spaces, but it’s always a blast to collect?#frogs?and monitor the biodiversity in our spaces, especially in seemingly abundant wetlands. A major part of creating an impact in preserving our?#biodiversity?is documenting it, ??grab a bucket and see what kinds of frogs you can find! For all you cool Texans who want to take it a step further: #TxWAC?matches businesses and funders to conservation projects that safeguard our precious water-so when you dip your toes in the water, it’s filled with thriving wildlife!

#Repost from our Community Contributor, Madeline Bracken, The Trashy Texan *** 71 Days Ago Texan By Nature Challenged Us To Keep Track Of The Impact Of Our Waste Reduction With Our Free Mini Backyard Composting Program. We're Up To 525 Pounds Diverted From Landfills. #TexanByNature

??Waterproof chicken– or feathered fashionista? Waterfowl give more than just good vibes. They strengthen local economies by providing hunting and recreational opportunities. That’s why their habitats– like the Old Sabine Bottom Wildlife Management Area in East Texas– are so important. BlueTriton Brands through its Ozarka? Natural Spring Water brand, Ducks Unlimited, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texan by Nature have teamed up for #BucksforDucks ???? Help us raise bucks for ducks and Ozarka? Natural Spring Water will match every donation you make (up to $100K)– to double your impact now through March 22. ??Aside from ducks and vibes– the completed restoration project will impact THOUSANDS of Texans and provide approximately 26 MILLION gallons of WATER BENEFITS each year! ????Take part in restoring a wetland habitat, every buck helps! Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gv8VTUsZ

Humans spend ~42% of their waking hours staring at a screen?? Whether it’s work, social media, or entertainment– our lives are becoming increasingly DIGITAL. We want to hear your perspective: How can we inspire people to spend more time in the natural world? ???? We’ll start: What if they did both? You are probably reading this post from the palm of your hand right now! Nature AND the internet are great for creating spaces where people can connect, share, and learn about the natural world. Our #ConservationPartners combine tech and trees, making it easy to engage with nature from anywhere: ??You can explore parks and earn digital badges from your living room with the Texas Children in Nature Network’s Nature Challenge! ??The Texas Master Naturalist Program sponsors BioBlitz events where you catalog nature and get real-time answers on your observations from scientists! ???The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University hosts a podcast where you can get all the buzz on the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands. What about you? ??Tell us your thoughts below!

??Some of humanity’s most impactful philosophies have been inspired by interpretations of our natural world?? For #WorldPhilosophyDay, we compiled a few of our favorites! ????”You cannot step into the same river twice” Greek philosopher Heraclitus developed the panta rhei or "everything flows" doctrine to describe the ever-changing nature of reality. The river's water is constantly moving, so each time you step into it, it’s different from the last time. ??“All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim.” In Taoist thought, the concept of wu wei “effortless action” means aligning one’s actions with the effortless flow of life to be humble, unassuming, and in harmony with the Tao. ??"In nature, things move violently to their place, and calmly in their place." English Philosopher Francis Bacon observed that while nature may seem chaotic in its processes, it ultimately brings everything to a state of balance and harmony. This reflects his fascination with the underlying order of natural systems. ??“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” Roman emperor and stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, saw nature’s beauty as a source of awe and perspective, encouraging people to appreciate the vastness of the universe and to see themselves as part of a greater whole. What is your favorite philosophy from nature? Drop a quote in the comments below!

*In our Clovers cheer squad voice* ??We said Brr, it’s cold in here! There must be some signals in the atmosphere! ?? Winter is coming, and according to The Old Farmers Almanac, we are in for a COLD one! ? ? But how do they know??? ??Some farmers think nature gives us some great clues that a hard winter is ahead. Here are a few: ??? Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and more are hanging around your home. ??Thicker than normal onion skins or corn husks ??Thick hair on the nape of a cow’s neck ??Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands ??Unusual abundance of acorns Since 1792, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has helped local farmers prepare for the changing seasons, just as our business member Texas Farm Credit has helped Texas agribusiness thrive! ??Texas Farm Credit’s Passion Forward initiative is a perfect reason to #ThankABusinessMember since it has given back over $5 MILLION to local organizations including funding youth scholarships, sponsoring research, and advancing conservation in partnership with Texan by Nature!?

Repost from our #CommunityContributor Suzanne Simpson *** Wetlands ?? Kidneys: Marshing towards a healthier life. Our organ system is just like an ecosystem. ??From our brains to our hearts to our lungs, everything has a part to play in ensuring we are strong and healthy. ??Ecosystems work the exact same way. Natural landscapes play a critical role in delivering clean air, clean water, and vibrant green spaces to keep communities healthy. Think of our wetlands as nature’s kidneys! Wetlands trap pollutants (like chemicals ?? and oils ???), use specialized anaerobic microbes to convert them into less harmful substances, and prevent toxic chemicals from floating downstream into your drinking glass. Here’s just some of what makes wetlands the renal MVP! ??Filter our drinking water ??Absorb pollutants ??Trap sediments ??Curb floodwaters ??Provide wildlife habitat ??@TexanbyNature?is keeping water flowing with?#TxWAC?(Texas Water Action Collaborative) by matching companies and funders to conservation projects like wetland restoration that benefit our water quality, volume, and resilience. Give them a follow to learn more! Happy?#WaterWednesday??

NON-TEXANS: Texas doesn’t have fall leaves. ??TEXANS: HOLD MY BEER and bless your heart! ? ??Here are 7 Texas Trees that will change colors this fall: ? Texas Redbud - A small tree (big shrub) known for its striking pinkish-purple blooms in the spring while its heart-shaped leaves turn a bright POP of golden yellow or red in the fall. (Central Texas) ? Texas Ash - A fall favorite with leaves that shift from deep purple to brilliant red and gold - it’s like a sunset you can plant in your yard! (North & Central Texas) ? Mexican Plum - From fragrant flowers and tasty fruit in spring to a lovely bronze to golden yellow in fall. Bonus: it’s a pollinator magnet! (East Texas) ? Chinquapin Oak - A tough Texan with character and yellow to bronze leaves. Its acorns are a favorite snack for wildlife, making it a fall win for critters too! (Central & East Texas) ? Shumard Red Oak - The star of fall foliage in Texas, its leaves blaze from deep red to scarlet. It’s a Texas classic for all you non-Texans. (North & East Texas) ? Prairie Flameleaf Sumac - Living up to its name, it sets the season ablaze with fiery red and orange leaves. It’s also drought-tolerant! (West & Central Texas) ? Cedar Elm - Small, serrated leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. Fun fact: In true Texas fashion, Cedar Elms are super hardy and can handle just about any condition thrown their way. (South & Central Texas) ? ??While you’re admiring the fall colors, remember that our statewide tree-planting program H-E-B #TreesforTexans is cooling communities by planting native trees across the state! Learn more about the program and its impact at: https://lnkd.in/gCDYMSUj

?? BEE-lieve it or not, if you are a veteran, you have a lot in common with honeybees ???? You embrace teamwork, purpose, and protecting something bigger than yourself. Connecting veterans comes naturally to our 2022 #ConservationWrangler, Hives for Heroes?. Their mentorship program helps veterans with a healthy transition from military service through beekeeping. To date, the work of Hives for Heroes has: ??Stewarded over ONE BILLION bees ??Managed 18,000+ apiaries (honeybee farms) ??Equipped 2600+ veterans with a rewarding new hobby Each year TxN selects the very best science-based conservation projects in the state to take part in an 18-month accelerator program. Projects are selected for their impact on people, prosperity, and natural resources. Our #ConservationWrangler accelerator program is buzzing with the best and brightest who are ready to take flight! ??APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN ?? ?? We invite conservation non-profits to join us on the November 14th Virtual Q&A session to learn more. https://lnkd.in/g_i474A4 Happy Veteran’s Day!

If you’ve been dove hunting– you’ve taken part in a 120-year-old Texan tradition?? 85% of the total white-winged doves and 30% of total mourning doves in the U.S. are harvested by Texan hunters each year! They may not have the most meat, but hunting doves gives Mother Nature a helping hand! Dove hunting season helps restore balance to our native dove population. Overpopulation can lead to: ??Habitat destruction and shortages in native dove food sources? ??Spread of contagious diseases like trichomoniasis ??Higher predator activity which can lead to larger population declines Be sure to download the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Annual app to get your license, hunting dates for your area, and all of the information you need for a great harvest! Meet these #ConservationPartners giving nature a helping hand in Texas! Make sure to follow??? Texas Wildlife Association Pheasants Forever Quail Coalition Texas Bighorn Society Delta Waterfowl Foundation?