Ever get “Assembly Required” furniture from IKEA? I remember we got 2 sets of loft beds with student desks beneath them for our youngest daughters who shared a room. There were so many screws and wooden pegs and brackets included. God forbid we leave one out and our child plunges to the floor amid splinters of wood!
“To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” – Aldo Leopold
Why are we not as careful with our planet as we are with our furniture? You see a bug looking at you the wrong way, and you squash it. You see a weed growing in the wrong place, and you pluck it. If you don’t think you’ll need it, you plow it under, rip it out, poison it or shoot it to extinction.
scillagrace 
That caterpillar is amazing!
They certainly are! They freeze during winter, thaw out in Spring and then pupate to become Tiger Moths. In the Arctic’s short growing season, they may not get enough to eat and mature in one season and have been known to overwinter up to 14 times! The Woolly Bear caterpillar, ladies and gentlemen! Amazing.
Enjoyed your thoughts (and agree) and that woolly bear shot is just great.
janet
Thank you! (and thank you for correcting my spelling of “woolly”)
Hmmm, didn’t realize I had. But you’re welcome. 🙂
Our beautiful nature! In “my” desert we used to see so many road runners and lizards. Last season I saw neither…only new development. Breaks my heart.
Breaks my heart, too!
😢
Well said.
Thanks!
great point! Luv it! ❤
Many wise Naturalists have made the point before me, but I am eager to see it driven home for every new generation. Care must continue. Thanks!
Dear Priscilla,
What a thoughtful, well-written post that poses, as always, a thought-provoking question with great photos. You are a very fine storyteller!
Why, thanks! Quite a compliment from a bona fide professional one!
Great photos, Scilla, and a strong message . The more I’m out walking the more I marvel at the natural world. Thanks meg
Keep marvelling! I’m convinced it keeps my brain young, curious and humble.