Honored to be profiled by the AZ Republic's excellent climate reporter, Joan Meiners, on our work on the ecological importance of the #MogollonHighlands Ecoregion, and more generally of the Natural History Institute. (Orig article is behind a paywall: links to article in first 2 comments).

ICE Lineup open.substack.com/pub/rjmatson...

Still so much beauty--and intelligence--in the world.

Still so much beauty in the world. Mt. Shuksan, and Red Mountain-heather (Phyllodoce empetriformis), North Cascades

I'm excited to share the cover and pre-order information for ASTONISHED BY BEAUTY: A FIELD GUIDE TO THE PRACTICE OF PAYING ATTENTION, which has been a real labor of love. I'll be posting more information, responses, etc. in upcoming days....... www.torreyhouse.org/product-page...

#ItsStillABeautifulWorld A few images from our journey northward and westward

Blending in. Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) on Emory Oak. #mogollonhighlands

I'll be helping lead this wonderful program in Ecuador this coming winter-- join me? Every time I visit Ecuador I emerge rejuvenated by the beauty of the world.

Even Leonardo's on board

Hands Off rally in Prescott, Arizona--the biggest crowd (law enforcement estimated close to 2000) I've ever seen in 37 years here. For context, this is a deep red county, which didn't even have, and never had had, a Democratic Party when I moved here in the late 80s. Incredibly uplifting. Onward!

I was recently invited to share my thoughts on the importance of integrating sciences and humanities. My essay, "The Way of Integration," is included in this exciting new collection. (My piece is linked in the first comment)

My perspective on coping with the election and all it represents-- written in the immediate aftermath, but still reflective of how I feel.... Thanks to Torrey House Press for this blog, "That Thing With Feathers," which provides "Hope and Literature In a Time of Upheaval"....

The Sonoran Desert helps heal the heart that is sick for the world

Here at the Prescott, Arizona Courthouse Square—iconic backdrop for many Republican rallies (Goldwater and McCain both announced their presidential campaigns here)— 850 people showed up today to call for an end to our current national madness.

Back home in the #MogollonHighlands

Such a gift to travel with this beloved in this beautiful land

Great insights on the relationship between Silicon Valley and the right wing...... Becca Lewis, the scholar being interviewed, happens to be my wonderful niece (link in first comment)

I'm honored by this essay that delves deeply into some of my work..... (link in comments)

I added a new page to my website that can serve as a portal to our ongoing project illuminating the importance of the MOGOLLON HIGHLANDS..... link in first comment

This is highly disconcerting. WaPo editors killed an editorial cartoon that mocked Bezos and other tech oligarchs. Will the Post respond to this? Democracy dies with accommodation. anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-qui...

Happy New Now

Final glowing embers of this winter day

Joy to the world. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band last night in Phoenix. (Didn’t think about our sad political reality for a whole hour…)

Happy celebrations from the Mogollon Highlands

Momentarily touched by the stars. Granite Mountain in winter morning light.

Pinus ponderosa in almost-solstice light.... One of the great trees of the American West

Good work opportunity with this great organization, near and dear to my heart....

Bottom line: we make the case here that the #MogollonHighlands, which had never been recognized before, is actually one of the most biodiverse ecoregions in North America, and also an area with capacity for climate adaptation and resilience. (Link to paper in first comment)

A couple spots unexpectedly opened up on the ECUADOR trip I'll be co-leading this winter. It's a remarkable trip--a transect across the most biodiverse (for its size, surely) country in the world... Feel free to get in touch if you have questions. Registration info at bottom, below.....

I think of this poem at the onset of every December. By the fine Pacific Northwest poet, Tim McNulty (from Pawtracks, 1978, Copper Canyon Press)

Ponderosa Pine and Arizona White Oak, in the #MogollonHighlands

High on a ridge top, ~6400 ft., in the #MogollonHighlands..... Mogollon Rim visible in the distance

Beauty endures

Focusing on each present moment must be an essential element of our perseverance/resistance/persistence these upcoming years….

Another side of New York City….the far northern end of la Isla de Manhattan. Still wild in its bones.

Here’s my most recent essay on why natural history matters (more available on the publications page of my website). static1.squarespace.com/static/5186a...

Here’s the link for my talk the other day at Georgetown…. (just learning how to use Bluesky!) Several people have asked if it was recorded, and have asked If so, will post when i get the link www.georgetown.edu/event/natura...

Just joined….. If you happen to be in DC (hell of a time to be here), I’m giving a talk tomorrow at the Georgetown University, Earth, Commons…”The Enduring and Elemental Importance of Natural History “. HTTPS://www.georgetown.edu/event/natural-history