Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary’s Post

A sense of home. In the heart of South Africa’s bushveld, where the wild life roams in the horizon, lies a small-but-growing town called Hoedspruit. Its vast, open skies and rich wildlife called me home for the first time in my early 20s. At first, it was its promise of adventure that brought me in. The more I returned, something deeper took root. Defined by more than its scenic beauty, the town is a collective of connection to nature. Known for its flourishing ecotourism industry, Hoedspruit attracts those seeking both a connection to wildlife and community. Local entrepreneurs and a vibrant social fabric integrates professional and personal connections into one’s daily life. I found myself enriched by not just the land, but the people who lived within it. The townsfolk, with their warm smiles and open hearts, welcomed me into a close-knit community full of childhood stories and later-in-life newfound homes. From the local markets to the science talks and trail running in the mountains, every interaction became an invitation to the town’s heart. Hoedspruit is a unique fabric made of its social and natural world. It has marked a profound insight in me. There’s a term for this sense-of-place feeling. Topophilia derived from the Greek words “topos” (place) and “philia” (love or affection) describes the bond between people and place. From hometowns to natural landscapes and urban places; we all share our unique connection to space(s). Nostalgia. Belonging. Solace. Safety. Serenity. What a wonderful world to find a sense of home(s) even if it’s for a fleeting moment.

An Lochan Uaine aka The Green Tarn– Home Of The Fairies An Lochan Uaine is a small, freshwater loch located in the Pàirc Nàiseanta a' Chàrn Gorm aka Cairngorms National Park, deep in the Gàidhealtachd aka the Scottish Highlands. The loch is located at an elevation of 316 metres (1,037 ft)[2] about 2 miles (3.2 km) NE of Loch Morlich. Its length is 460 metres (1,510 ft). It lies at the foot of the Eastern flanks of the Greag Nan Gall (622 m). The lake is considered by geologists a good example of a morainic tarn. The loch is included in the Coille Ghlinn Mhoire aka Glenmore Forest Park, not faraway from its visitor centre, and in the Pàirc Nàiseanta a' Chàrn Gorm aka Cairngorms National Park. Enchanting Surroundings: Flora: The loch is surrounded by newly regenerated Caledonian pine trees and other native broadleaf trees such as willow, rowan, and birch. Fauna: An Lochan Uaine is known for its rich and diverse fauna. The area is home to various species of birds, including waterfowl and upland birds, which thrive in the lush surroundings. The loch itself supports aquatic life such as trout and other fish species. The surrounding woodlands host a variety of mammals, like red deer and pine martens, as well as smaller creatures, including foxes and various rodents. The biodiversity is enhanced by the rich flora in the area, providing habitats and food sources for many wildlife species. Water: The loch's water is a mesmerizing green. Explanations for this include reflections from the trees, algae within the loch, or, according to legend and myth, fairies washing their green clothes at night. An Lochan Uaine reflects the pristine natural environment of the Gàidhealtachd aka the Scottish Highlands. Hiking Experience: Trail: The lake can be reached from Loch Morlich with an easy walk, starting from the Coille Ghlinn Mhoire aka Glenmore Forest visitor centre; walking a little more is possible to touch the Pas Ràth Bhuain aka Ryvoan Pass too, at the end of the glen. The hike is considered very suitable also for children. Duration: It takes around 40-45 minutes to reach the loch, depending on whether one has young children with one. What a truly marvellous and magical place An Lochan Uaine aka The Green Tarn is! If You ever have the chance to pay the visit, go for it!

🐻 Insights from the Wild: A Toastmasters Member's Bear Encounter At Toastmasters Club, we not only hone our public speaking skills but also share unique experiences and perspectives. One of our members narrated her thrilling first encounter with a bear, offering us a glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures with the theme "The Bear Facts!". 🚴♀️ While biking near the Columbia River in Revelstoke, British Columbia, she and a friend came across fresh bear signs. Choosing safety, they altered their route, only to spot a giant bear from a safe distance. It was a reminder of the respect and caution we must maintain for wildlife. 🌲 The Bear Facts: Learning about Grizzly and Black Bears - Grizzly Bears are generally less confrontational than Black Bears. In Revelstoke National Park, a Grizzly was observed to avoid hikers, showcasing their tendency to evade humans. - The diet of a Grizzly can be astonishing – up to 90 pounds of food per day, equivalent to 360 quarter-pounders! - Black Bears, skilled climbers with strong claws, highlight the futility of tree escape as a strategy for humans. - Interestingly, Black Bears have diverse fur colours, ranging from black to blond, and the rare white Kermode or spirit bear is found in coastal British Columbia. 🌎 However, Grizzly populations are dwindling due to hunting and habitat loss. Their ecological role in controlling herbivore populations and supporting diverse vegetation is irreplaceable. This decline is a call to action for wildlife conservation and habitat protection. 🗣️ Sharing such stories at Toastmasters Club enriches our meetings with diverse knowledge and perspectives. It's not just about public speaking; it's about learning, sharing, and growing together. Join our club for more insightful experiences and professional growth! #ToastmastersInternational #WildlifeConservation #BearFacts #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #Networking #PersonalGrowth #EnvironmentalAwareness

Unlock the full power of nature-based solutions and relish the benefits of wildflowers this spring. According to WFF, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows. As urban areas continue to expand, it's crucial that we find ways to allow nature and urban spaces to coexist in harmony and support each other. Wildflowers are not only beautiful, but they also play a crucial role in helping our ecosystem. Did you know that our very own Plantscape offers pollinator-friendly planters? They're perfect for customers in urban areas who want to boost biodiversity with the added benefit of attracting beautiful butterflies and other species to your outdoor space. https://lnkd.in/ePQ4a6DZ

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁? The promise of lush greenery and a peaceful escape from the city’s 🏙 hustle was too tempting to resist. As I walked along the wooden pathways, surrounded by vibrant broadleaf plants ☘ and ferns, I felt a deep connection with nature. The gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds created a symphony that soothed my soul. It was a moment of pure tranquility, a rare find in our fast-paced world. Found this city's lush greenery offered 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁-𝗔-𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺🌳 , where you can adopt and care for a tree in this forest. This personal investment fosters a deeper connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility. Besides adopting a tree, you too can organize a nature walk🚶♀️ for friends and family. Sharing you knowledge and passion for the forest can encourage others to develop a similar appreciation and commitment to conservation. So, when was the last time you immerse yourself in these lush greenery? How do you feel to be surrounded in nature? #SustainableLiving #Love #TropicalFores

🌄 Building Community Spirit: Fostering Collaboration with Fellow Mountain Businesses 🌿 🌿 🌿 Greetings from Himalayas, Like everywhere in the world, Himalayan community's strength comes from our capacity to support and inspire one another. That's why we're happy to foster collaboration with other mountain business for deeper well-being, shared resources and our collective progress. This is how we go about it: 👩🌾 Collaborating with Sustainable Farms: One of our initiatives is to help our diligent suppliers, women farmers, to manage farmer cooperatives, negotiate fair crop pricing, and motivate future generations to adopt sustainable farming practices. 🔗 Supply Chain Collaborations: From production to packing, we are grateful to all of our supply chain business partners for contributing to our close-knit community. 🤝 Marketing Partnerships: We collaborate with other mountain businesses to create effective campaigns that emphasise the region's distinctive attributes. Together, we reach a larger audience by showcasing Himalayas' rich legacy and natural beauty while promoting our organic products. 🎉 Joint Events: We enjoy bringing people together. Collaborating with local businesses allows us to offer amazing events that celebrate our culture and commitment to well-being. From wellness retreats to eco-friendly fairs, these events reflect our mountain community's colourful culture. 🎍 Resource Sharing: Business collaboration allows us to share resources and knowledge to ensure that everyone gets what they need to succeed. Whether it's sustainable farming practices or innovative health solutions, we're better together. At Nirvana Organic, we value our community and collaborate with other mountain industries to create a prosperous future for all. 🌱✨ Would you like to join us? #CommunitySpirit #Collaboration #HimalayanWellness #MountainBusinesses #OrganicHealthcare #Sustainability #LocalPartnerships

Check out these pro tips to make your garden thrive this year!

In your professional career, never become a "Cowbird" or be associated with one All species of cowbirds are "obligate brood parasites". They are special because they never build nests but deposit their eggs in the nests of songbirds. The songbirds unfortunately do not realize this deception and raise the cowbirds along with their own offspring, resulting in competition for resources. You can easily identify a cowbird at work, through these unique qualities - They are usually in office everyday and end up taking multiple long breaks. Office presence is mandatory for their survival. - They end up socializing a lot with the songbirds, trying to understand the projects that they are currently on. - They have this habit of using "We / Us" a lot and try to volunteer themselves with an innocent songbird to take up activities. They do not contribute to the work but influence the song birds to do most of the work. - They have a lot of high level ideas but do not have the patience / ability to execute it. Hence they partner with songbirds and become "status update providers" - In their partnership with the songbirds, they try to take up the credit by showcasing the work / talking about it a lot during their long breaks - They are usually silent in a meeting when the "boss bird" is not around and when the "boss bird" appears, they are extremely chatty and showcase their best moves - They are territorial by nature and do not let other cowbirds thrive in their territory by indulging in internal politics Are you a workplace ornithologist, who has experience dealing with the "Cowbirds" at work. Are there other traits that you have deduced about this interesting species ? Image Source : NestWatch #birdsatwork #organizationalculture

Take a stroll through lush green gardens, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. #krahejarealty #atoweringlegacy #luxuryforalifetime #rahejagardens #punerealty #residentialproperty #realestateinvesting #propertiesinpune #punerealestatemarket