While doing research on how to save the bees, I found the Colorado Bee Keepers website that has an absolute wealth of expert knowledge on what we can do in Colorado to help the bees. I attached the website here, I think one of the more interesting things I learned was since Colorado has borrowing bees, its important to leave spaces of open soil/soft ground your garden so they can borrow safely!

Colorado Bee Keepers

This past week, I visited Red Rock Canyon and learned about the Patayan and Southern Paiute Cultures, who both traveled seasonally to the area from 900 CE all the way to 1800s. The Southern Paiute people still use the canyon to this day, a huge reason why it's so important to protect indigenous areas. Pictured below are ancient paintings, in this case handprints, that can still be seen due to the iron in the paint oxidizing!

I've been watching two mourning doves nesting in the tree next to my apartment. Now that is is warming up, I've been able to log more bird species for scientists as they are migrating for the season.

My neighbor, Jamie, who lives on the other side of my building floor, occasionally exchanges food with me, like egg muffins or soup.

He is planning to put up a Mother's day plant cutting sale, and I bought some tiny ceramic pots for him to use for the sale. I gave them to Jamie this morning and he was happy! I'm excited for the sale.. and so glad to have him as a neighbor. He does nice things for everyone in the building.

It's easier to meditate on a Friday, for sure.

In the span of 10 minutes, there were times when meditating felt easy and times when it felt hard. Focusing on my breathwork helps me out a lot. I felt better knowing I had spent the time to connect with myself.

The bin filled up very quickly in only the first 3 days... what awesome people on our campus!

I need to replace it with an empty one very soon. Targeting Monday.

I am heading to Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas for a whole week this Saturday, and figured I'd do some research on the fauna and flora in the area to make sure I recreate responsibly while I am there!

Amazingly, I learned that that canyon houses 15 different species of plants that are 100% unique to the area and can’t be found anywhere else on earth! I took time to look through the pictures and familiarize myself areas they would commonly grow so I make sure to tread lightly/avoid impacting these rare plants (if I am lucky enough to come across them).

The Canyon is also home to the Desert Tortoise, an extremely rare reptile protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Loss of habitat, fast moving vehicles on the road, and diseases introduced from pets have caused major problems to the tortoise population. To do my part to be a responsible steward, I will make sure I am only on trails/hard surfaces such as rocks, make sure I drive the speed limit in the canyon, and keep my pup at home.

Being more knowledgeable of the area not only helps me make more informed decisions as a tourist, but it also brings me closer to the environment and feel more emotionally connected to Red Rock!