‘Nut’s about her column

by Nancy Melcher, the Cosmos Nature Nut

The ‘Nature Nut’ investigates an old tree trunk. Submitted by Nancy Melcher

I started writing for the Cosmos 15 years ago, and have been reporting on events around town and interesting nature nuggets for a full three-quarters of the newspaper’s life here in Uxbridge.

I’m always thrilled to hear about how my articles have made you interested in the natural world around us. From snowflakes to butterflies, swans to trilliums, eclipses to comets, invasive species to trash bandits, and many more, you’ve let me know how you’ve enjoyed my stories. I like to think that you might take a moment, after reading one, to seek out more information on the item featured and learn a bit more about it if it piqued your curiosity.

I sometimes open my email and find a note from a reader telling me how they noticed an interesting bird on their travels, or remembered eating maple taffy as a kid, or were amazed by the number of stars in the night sky, or got down on their knees to look closely at a mushroom, or (most recently) installed swan diverters on their new hydro supply lines. THAT is the best part of being The Nature Nut! Those letters mean SO much to me. It’s the understanding that people are still curious, that we don’t always lose the kid in us, and we remain open to discovering new things, even if they are icky - like spiders, Lisha!

Thanks for the questions that often spawn an article. Thank you for your feedback and memories. Thanks for the observations too – I love it when you share those, most of all.

Send details of your sightings or questions about the natural world to: general@melcher.cx