In my free time, I take my dog, Vito (named for the Godfather himself Vito Corleone…) out for lots of walks. This is usually the time in my day when I can not only get a little bit of exercise, but also spend the time connecting and being in tune with my natural surroundings. My neighborhood in Oakland, California is a quiet and beautifully green area, flush with trees and of course, birds. While I am trying to observe my environment, I also have access to amazing technology to help assist me right in my pocket.

One particular app, iNaturalist, is a remarkable product. Like many other crowd sourced apps, the data is only as good as what other people document and log, but there is also some fantastic AI/ML powered functionality that helps the users instantly identify the many flora and fauna in the area. Anything that the photo can’t detect, you can rely on the many amateur naturalists that are also on the app.

On one of my dog walks, I decided to catalog all the trees in my neighborhood – a simple act I hoped would not only deepen my knowledge of the local flora but also create a newfound bond with my local environment.

The Trees of My World

Walking down the familiar streets with my dog, I saw the trees with a newfound curiosity. Using iNaturalist, I soon found scores of Coast Live Oak, a popular tree for many songbirds. I also documented Cedars, Pines, and of course the giant California Redwoods. Down towards the ground, Toyon bushes, with their bright berries made themselves known, and Coyote Brush was plenty. Along the walk, I saw lots and lots of Ivy covering the hillside.

Through iNaturalist, each tree became more than just part of the landscape; they were individual characters that made up my neighborhood’s story. This app not only helped me identify these trees but also understand their role in our local ecosystem.

Feathered Friends: The Birds in the Trees

What truly brought these trees to life were the residents that lived and relied on these trees. The chirping of the Oak Titmouse from the branches of the Coast Live Oak was a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem thriving within the city. The Nuttall’s Woodpecker rhythmically drumming against a Pine tree became the background noise to my walk. And high above, the majestic Red-tailed Hawk soared, a fleeting yet awe-inspiring sight against the backdrop of the Coast Redwoods.

Each bird I identified and logged on iNaturalist was a piece of the intricate ecological puzzle, highlighting the importance of these trees to our neighborhood’s habitat.

Mindfulness and the Art of Observing

This journey wasn’t just about cataloging trees or spotting birds; it was a lesson in mindfulness. In paying attention to these details, I found myself more present, more connected to the here and now. It’s so easy for us to get lost in the hustle of everyday life, but by taking a small moment and observing and appreciating the natural world around us, we can find a sense of peace and grounding.

While technology like iNaturalist was instrumental in my understanding of the specific details during my walk, it was also a reminder to not become overly dependent on it. There’s a delicate balance between using technology to enhance our understanding and experience of nature and becoming so engrossed in it that we miss the beauty right in front of us.

As Vito and I concluded our walk, I felt a stronger connection to my neighborhood. Each tree, each bird, now had a story, a purpose, and a place in my heart. This experience was a gentle reminder of the wonders that surround us and the importance of living in the present, truly observing, and appreciating the world we inhabit.

It’s amazing how a simple walk with your dog can transform into a journey of discovery and mindfulness. I encourage you to try it; you might be surprised by what you find in your own neighborhood.

Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey and the connections we make along the way.

Addendum: iNaturalist – A Tool for Exploration

iNaturalist is a user-friendly app and website, which has revolutionized the way we interact with nature. It’s a community-powered platform that allows nature enthusiasts, like myself, to record and share observations of biodiversity.

How to Use iNaturalist

1. Download and Set Up: Available on both iOS and Android, iNaturalist is easy to install. After creating an account, you’re ready to begin your naturalist journey.
2. Making Observations: Simply take a photo of a plant, animal, insect, or any other aspect of nature and upload it to the app. The app uses AI to suggest identifications, which can then be verified by the community of experts and enthusiasts.
3. Joining Projects and Communities: iNaturalist allows you to join existing projects or create your own, connecting with others who share similar interests in local or global biodiversity.

Learning and Contributing: Every observation contributes to scientific data and helps in biodiversity conservation efforts. It’s also a great way to learn from others and enhance your own understanding of local flora and fauna.