Sandy Obodzinski

I don't make new year's resolutions. But I do center myself during those quiet days from December 26-31. It's about getting really quiet and refocusing on areas of my life where I've lost my way. The list was long this year. And although I live in a forest surrounded by nature every day, I had lost the spark of curiosity and wonder that led me on weekend excursions to new and familiar places. This realization hit me about the same time as an REI year-end sale e-blast. So with

Since moving to my "treehouse" three years ago, I've become much more intimately acquainted with the behaviors and habits of a wide variety of forest critters. I've identified more than 28 species of birds, so far, by sight or sound. The hoots of the barred owl couple always bring me the most joy and comfort, even in the wee hours of night/morning. Then there's my newfound curiosity about snakes because of a coy gray rat snake, a couple of sleek black racers, and one perturbe

This spring we attended the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show and learned about bluebird houses from an expert with Wild Birds Unlimited. I've never seen Eastern Bluebirds in my forest, so this seemed like a great opportunity to try and attract them. Bluebirds prefer their homes to be in the open, about 10 feet off the ground. Ideally tree branches or bushes are within 15 feet or so for the babies to have a safe place to land when they leave the nest. The first morning after insta

Remembering grandmothers in housecoats and slippers, I wandered my forest this morning in the 'new age' attire of middle-aged aged women... yoga pants, hoodie and a wrap. Coffee in hand, I noticed how exuberant the birds are this morning: a pileated woodpecker hammers at a treetop, geese honk in the distance. When might the ruby throated hummingbirds return? Will have to check the migration map later, I think. The leaves and new flowers glisten with yesterday's rain. Ground c

[purple finch] When I moved to my 'treehouse' more than two years ago, I learned quickly that a habitat of animals and birds surrounded me. And this forest was all theirs. I just happened to have a home in the middle of it. The first night, I woke to scuffling on the front deck. A huge raccoon showed up to ransack the small bag of garbage I forgot outside. Within the first week, two deer strolled up the hill feeding on grass and sapling undergrowth. I was thrilled to see them