A World of Places to Explore

As a Naturalist I focus on the diverse dimensions of a place - its geographic context, geological origins, and environmental conditions - often a prerequisite for understanding each species, the habitats, and the ecosystem.

I was taught that learning about a place was best accomplished hands-on, being in the field and traveling to many places to gain a genuine appreciation of the patterns and processes of natural systems. I still follow this advice, and my professional activities and interests have taken me throughout the United States and Mexico, and other continents and countries, including Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and French Polynesia. This chapter will pull together a retrospective of travel field notes, photographs and videos, descriptions of my explorations and observations, research and teaching projects, inspiring people and facilities, and whatever else feels suitable.