Many hands make light work.

What You

Can Do

Welcome to the Your True Nature action and learning resource page!  Each special treasure of nature is worthy of our deeper understanding. The following conservation, preservation, informational and other non-profit organization websites have been carefully chosen for your learning pleasure.  It is important for all of us to adopt our favorite part of nature and contribute in any way that we can!  If you know of a website focused on learning about nature that is not listed here, please email us at contactus@yourtruenature.com and we will consider it for inclusion. Your True Nature makes contributions to many organizations through 1% for the Planet, a total of $27,000 in the past few years; these organizations are listed on our Giving page.  

“Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison (of feeling separated) by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” - Albert Einstein

Standing in front of Carlsbad Caverns as a kid, near sunset, I witnessed a few bats winging their way from the entrance of the cave starting out on their nightly foraging for insects.  A few more, then more, and then the sky became black as millions of bats headed out to fulfill their important role in eating insects and pollinating fruit.  Bats are widely distributed all over the world and are an important participant in the web of life.

Organization for Bat Conservation
California Bat Conservation Fund
Bat Conservation International
Bat Conservation Trust
Bats 4 Kids
Amazing Bat Facts


Big and strong, these furry mammals are beautiful to watch (of course from a distance).  See how they sniff and paw and swim and gather their food while the gettin' is good.  Bears love berries, well, so do we.  What other things do we have in common with bears?  Winter will come all too soon with a signal that it is time to hibernate for yet another season.  When you look up in the sky at the Big Dipper constellation remember that it is also known as Ursa Major, or the big bear.

Great Bear Foundation
Andean Bear Conservation Project
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Vital Ground Foundation
Alaska Wildlife Alliance
American Bear Association
Kidzone: Bears



Imagine what it would be like to see the bison roam the plains as they did for so long years ago.  I had the joy of camping near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. I walked the road for some time, and as sunset was nearing and the shadows were long, from my overlook vantage point there were a thousand or more bison grazing in the lush tall green grass.  They moved gently as the grass swayed.  I could hear their sounds of contentment and I was able to see what it was like when these beautiful creatures roamed the land.  I was touched deeply.

Buffalo Field Campaign
Animal Hero: The Buffalo
Animal Planet: Bison
Canadian Geographic: Bison



The egg hatches into a caterpillar that eats leaves and changes into a chrysalis that hatches into a butterfly that flutters and flies with such beauty.  A truly amazing miracle of nature!   Watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis and begin its flight is a site to behold!!

Denver Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Site
The Butterfly House
Butterflies and Moths of North America
Butterfly Breeders Fun Facts

Advice from a Cactus . . . Accentuate your strong points!

Those spiky spines do serve a very important purpose for a cactus; they keep animals away who would love to make a meal out of them.  The spines are actually the leaves of the cactus that have evolved to adapt to the hot temperatures they grow in.  They not only provide protection, but offer shade which lowers the plant's water loss.  One of the cactus' many gifts to the desert is the incredible flowers used to paint its beauty across the rocky and sandy terrain.

Saguaro National Park
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
Mojave Desert Land Trust
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan
Sonoran Desert Fact Sheets
 

Advice from a Campfire . . . Spark new ideas!

The warmth of a campfire under the open sky stirs memories of our earlier days of existence.  The yellow, orange, white and blue colors dance and intertwine with each other inviting us to come, sit, sing and stare as we relax and let our cares fall away.  Enjoy the pleasantries of the fire and remember fire safety by keeping fires to a manageable size and dowsing them completely when leaving or retiring for the night.

Baer Burned Area Emergency Response
Joint Fire Science Program
Nature Conservatory: Global Fire Initiative
Smokey the Bear: Get Your Smokey On
The Perfect Campfire Facts

Advice from a Canyon . . . Reach deep!

Carved by the steady course and persistence of water, the beauty of the canyon is ever changing and reveals the layers of history to all who take time to sit and gaze into is open expanses.  Canyons can be grand or very small and each shares its earthly wonder with us, inviting us on its slow journey over time.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Grand Canyon Association
Cottonwood Canyons Foundation
Black Canyon Land Trust
Grand Canyon Tourist
Havasupai Tribe: Grand Canyon Facts

Advice from a Cardinal . . . Stand out in a crowd!

... and Be a bright spot in others' lives!

All About Birds
What Bird Field Guide
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
National Geographic: Cardinal Facts

Advice from a Cat . . . Always land on your feet!

...and Pounce on possibilities!

Project Purr - Nonprofit Cat Rescue
Adopt a Pet
Cats International
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Organization
American Humane

Advice from a Cave. . . See the hole picture!

The water flows and seeps from the inner rivers of the land and, drip... drip... drip... carries with it limestone sediment to make stalactites (hang tite from the ceiling) and stalagmites growing up over time from the floor.  The cave teems with life and invites us to explore the depths of our true nature.

Cave Conservation Links
American Cave Conservation Association
Project Underground
Texas Cave Management Association
National Speleological Society: Cave Facts & World Records




The way deer leap so gracefully, the twitch of their tails, their gentle and steady nature, all help us to appreciate the four legged mammals and how each is remarkably unique.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Key Deer Protection Alliance
Vegan Peace: Deer Facts
National Geographic: White Tailed Deer Facts

Advice from a Dog . . . Be loyal!

An employee of Your True Nature can't imagine her life without the company of dogs.  "They bring me joy, comfort, inspiration, and an invaluable serenity that I can find nowhere else.  Dogs instinctively know when you are not at your best; I am always amazed at the depth of their sensitivities, and bewildered at the same time; how can they possibly know?  It's worth a little dog hair on the furniture to be blessed with the presence of these incredible beings!"

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. – François Anatole Thibault

Dogs Deserve Better
Green People - Humane Societies, Animal Shelters & Pet Adoptions
Dog Friendly
4 Paws for Ability
Dog Facts Site
Random Facts: Dogs

Advice from a Dolphin . . . Sound out new ideas!

I am not usually such an advocate for things such as swimming with the Dolphins, but an experience two years ago in Mexico changed that. The touristy and commercial aspects were a bit much but the essence of my experience was unforgettable. Swimming, floating, playing with Dolphins, Sea Lions and Manatee helped me appreciate their beauty and absolute ease in the water. I floated face down as two dolphins nudged their noses up against the bottom of my feet. They began pushing me forward very fast as I lifted out of the water and was propelled nearly upright sailing around the large pool. As they slowed I settled back into the water forever changed.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
American Cetacean Society
Dolphin Research Center
Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
Random Facts: Dolphins



Now that’s a unique name... dragon–fly!  With their big eyes and shiny iridescent bodies, they do look rather storybook like.  Names can be somewhat misleading though; it is easy to think we know something just by knowing its name. Would we know much about you if we just knew your name?  Hardly!  It is your uniqueness that really helps us get to know you.

The Nature Conservancy - Hines Emerald Dragonfly
MDNR Young Naturalists
Dragonfly Society of the Americas
Green Nature: Dragonfly Facts
A-Z Animals: Dragonfly



A large and powerful bird of prey that soars high in the sky; with its keen eyesight, it can spot potential prey for quite a long distance.  Watching eagles circle and soar on the thermal uplifts is truly magnificent to watch.

American Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Recovery - Q&A
American Eagle Foundation
The Eagle Institute
A-Z Animals: Eagle
American Bald Eagle Information




Earth is the third planet from the sun with a diameter 7926 miles at the equator and a circumference of 24,900 miles. If we drive 12,000 miles a year it is approximately the equivalent of driving half way around the earth.  That’s a lot of driving! The planet we call home, with a richness of oceans, land, plants, and mammals woven into a delicate web of life, depends on the health of the whole for balanced existence.

Northwest Earth Institute
Earth Island Institute
The World's Biomes
Explore Earth
Nations Online: Earth Facts


The first time I heard an elk bugle it was powerful.  The call filled the air with excitement and alertness.  These magnificent creatures inhabit the rugged forests and are among the largest in mammals in North America.

National Geographic: Elk Facts
RMEF: All About Elk
Land Between the States: Elk Facts



Also known as lightening bugs, they are not flies or bugs at all!  They are actually beetles.  They use their bioluminescence of yellow, green or pale red to attract their mates.  Watching fireflies above the grassy field on a warm summer night, with their blinking lights, draws us deeper into the wonders and mysteries of nature.

Science Frontiers: Synchronous Rhythmic Flashing of Fireflies
Digital Journal: Fireflies
Tree Hugger: Fireflies in Central Colorado
Firefly Organization Facts
Museum of Science: Firefly Watch



...and Be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

Wild Preservation Canada - Swift Fox
Colorado Division of Wildlife - Fox Species
Colorado Division of Wildlife - Swift Fox Conservation
Colorado Division of Wildlfe - Kit Fox Conservation



...and Stretch your legs often!

Save the Frogs
Amphibian Ark
Frog Watch USA
North American Amphibian Monitoring Program
A-Z Animals: Frogs



...and Cultivate lasting friendships!

American Community Gardening Association
Urban Sprouts
Growing Gardens



There are nine different species of Giraffe including the Nigerian and Thorncroft's Giraffe and all are found scattered in various parts of Africa. They grow to between 16 and 20 feet in height and have an amazing power of vision. Their hearts pump an average of 20 gallons of blood and minute. They are beautiful, colorful and such a unique animal. They need our awareness and protection. See more at the informative sites below.

WWF Adopt a Giraffe
Bradshaw Foundation
African Conservancy
A-Z Animals: Giraffes



...and Keep moving forward!

Wrapping Greenland: An Introduction to Glacier Preservation
The Glacier Society
NSIDC: All About Glaciers



Colorado Horse Rescue
Equine Advocates
Wild Horse Foundation
Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue
Save the Horses
Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center
Random Facts: Horses




...and Don't get your feathers ruffled over the little things!

The Hummingbird Monitoring Network
The Hummingbird Society
Attracting Hummingbirds
Wild About Wildlife - Hummingbird Feeding
A-Z Animals: Hummingbirds



...and Be well rounded!

Everything About Ladybugs
National Geographic for Kids: Ladybug Facts
The Ladybug Fund
The Ladybug Foundation




There are so many sizes of lakes each with their own character. Starting with a tarn which can be just feet across and less than a foot deep and revealed as the snow melts in the high mountains. Then a pond which is a manageable thought and which a pebble on a calm day will send ripples outward. Ah yes, the lake can be large, well very large. Lake Baikai in Russia contains 20% of the world's fresh surface water... more than all five Great Lakes in the US. Think back to your favorite lake. Hear the sounds. Remember the feel of the water. The sights and smells. A lake is a marvelous thing.

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Geology.com Largest Lakes
Great Lakes Information Network Facts



...and Dive into life!

The Loon Preservation Committee
Defenders of Wildlife - Loons on the Line
Squidoo - The Common Loon
The Common Loon
Loon Facts and Phenology

Advice from the Moon . . . Live life to the fullest!

...and Don't be phased by difficulties!

Nine Planets: The Moon
The Moon
NASA: Moon & Mars



...and It's OK to be a little wild!

The Nature Conservancy - Shiras Moose
Mooseworld
Rocky Mountain National Park - Moose
A-Z Animals: Moose





...and Rock on!

Mountain Meitheal
Appalachian Mountain Club
Colorado Mountain Club
Amazing Facts About Mountains
National Geographic: Mountain Facts

Advice from the Night Sky . . . Turn off the lights!

The deep and dark skies are filled with beautiful stars, planets and amazing stellar objects. If you have ever seen the Milky Way on a dark night or the rings of Saturn or the moons of Jupiter you know what extraordinary delight comes from the night skies. With increasing population light is causing less visibility and observation. There are things each of us can do to keep the skies dark. Learn more at:

Beyond International Year of Astronomy
NPS:Natural Lightscapes
International Dark-Sky Association
NPS: Night Sky Program
Starry Night Lights: Light Pollution



...and Avoid pier pressure!

MarineBio
World Ocean Observatory
NOAA Ocean Today
Integrated Ocean Observing System
NOAA Ocean Explorer
The Ocean Project



...and Be otterly amazing!

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Saving Sea Otters
River Otter Preservation Society
Friends of the Sea Otter
Otter World
National Geographic: Sea Otters

 

Advice from an Owl . . . Be "hoo" you are!

...and Trust in a wise friend!

The Barn Owl Trust
Conservation Northwest: Northern Spotted Owl
Burrowing Owl Preservation Society
Burrowing Owl Conservation Network

Advice from a Penguin . . . Go the extra mile!

...and Find warmth among your friends!

Explore Discover Connect - Penguin
South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust
Penguin Science
Penguin Facts

Advice from a Polar Bear . . . Learn some good icebreakers!

...and Sniff out opportunities!

Environmental Defense Fund - Polar Bear
Explore Discover Connect - Polar Bear
Polar Bears International Education
WWF: Polar Bear Conservation
NWF: Polar Bears





...and Be patient through the dry spells!

Katy Prairie Conservancy
The Prairie Enthusiasts
Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance
Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation
Iowa Prairie Network
Missouri Prairie Foundation
Prairie Plains Resource Institute



...and Always wash your hands!

Carolina Wildlife: Rescuing Raccoons
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
National Geographic: Raccoon Facts
A-Z Animals: Raccoons





...and Let difficulties stream away!

River Network
American Rivers
American River Parkway Foundation
National River Cleanup
Columbia Riverkeeper
Roaring Fork Conservancy



I snorkeled among the coral reefs in the ocean off the coast of Mexico south of Cancun in about ten feet of water. The sea grasses were waving with the ocean floor currents and all of a sudden two giant turtles darted off with amazing speed, at least three feet long and powerful. I watched in awe as they swam off leaving me to bobble in the vast waters and thinking of the privilege of being a momentary guest in their home.

Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
Sea Turtle Organization
Office of Protective Resources
Caribbean Conservation Corporation
Save the Turtles
See Turtles

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