I chose to look at the various kelp that I found on the Tofino BC beaches when I visited there early October 2021.  I was astounded at how many types there were that were coming on shore due to the high storm season as I hadn’t seen nearly as many on previous visits in the summer.  I have pictures of about 15 types both red and brown and then went into BC Coastal resource site on line to read more about them.  Fascinating to look at the ecosystems they are part of and how many are edible as is as well as being used in other food types (salad dressing).  Looked also at impact of sea urchin decimating kelp areas and the sea otters with the harvesting restrictions. Really enjoyed this exercise.

Carefully observing and comparing two species of Brown Eyed Susans allowed me to notice subtle differences and similarities. Along with my drawings I tried to incorporate written observations and numerical data as well. The longer I observed the more I noticed and felt a great connection with both plants. As an Outdoor Educator I will use this activity with students to help them heighten their awareness and make connections with the natural world on a micro and macro scale.

I enjoyed this process, but got stuck being a little too detailed too early. Might try drawing more loosely and concentrating on more major differences at first.

I noticed that both plants in my comparison study were blooming alongside each other. Each had a very different flower structure. I watched pollinators landing on each of them. but the pollinators were different on each one. The plant with "umbels" had such tiny "sub blossoms," that only little flies could alight on them. The the dandelion light composite flower blossom, it provided a much wider landing pad, so I saw large bees on these. I wonder if this is part of what allows them to be reproducing side by side? They would not have to compete for pollinators, as they each attract different kinds. I wonder what else about them allows them to not be competing? Perhaps they take different nutrients from the soil? A commonality is that they both need full sunlight and seem to do dwell in drought conditions. There was also plenty of space for them. One of the flowers seemed to be much farther along in its phenology cycle. The white "umbel" plant was only just starting its blossoming, had both buds and blossoms. The yellow dandelion like plant was exhibiting mulitple stages, flowers, fruits and seeds, some of which were already dispersing. So the yellow one was farther along it is reproductive cycle than the white one. I wonder if that is another reason that they can co-exist? They need different levels of nutrients at different times?

I have a lot to learn, including how to manipulate this program and insert my thoughts and drawings. Taking the time to really observe, count, see the various shapes and colors, all very important and a real challenge.

I was doing a Sit Spot at my local lake when I noticed that the wild grapes were dangling right next to the ripe blackberries and I thought that would be a fun pair of things to compare. I enjoyed this exercise and found that the more things I found to compare, the more things I found to compare. 

This comparison lesson was helpful in focusing and noticing details.  I compared two different pepper plants.  The obvious differences were how they grew (one up, one down), size (one very small, one much larger).  Some similarities were leaves (both smooth), shape (both elongated oval; however different sizes).  Some less obvious details were the flower on the red pepper plant. At first I didn’t even see the tiny flower as it was covered by a leaf.  With a closer look at the flower, I noticed one taller white carpel in the center surrounded by 5 green stamen. Also how the leaves, although same shape, attached differently to the plant.

I compared the pine tree and the arborvitae tree in my backyard.  These evergreens are similar having seed pods/cones, drop their leaves and have scented leaves when rubbed.  They supply food for animals and parts of the trees are used to benefit people.  Differences are their leaves one pokey and pointy and the other rounded and flat.  The bark on the pine tree is rough and bumpy and the arborvitae is smoother with vertical lines.  I learned a lot about each tree just my making a comparison.

1. I did a comparison study on 2 different firebushes I have in my yard.  One had yellow flowers and one had red flowers, but I've noticed before there are differences in the 2 bushes.  I was very surprised to observe that the red blooming firebush had 3 leaves around the stem and the yellow blooming one had 4 leaves.  Then I had to do more research to be sure they actually were the same kind of plant. 2. I am still better at writing than drawing, but enjoyed the drawing experience.  Adding numbers made a big difference in my observations. 

II  compared  I compared two tropical houseplants the both have exaggerated forms - the anthurium (extremely long, pointed leaves, waxy flowers with prominent spathes) and the pelargonium (tough, ruffled leaves, hairy stems). In my house they share a site and growing conditions. But their origins differ widely (South Africa and South America). I wondered what purpose these characteristics may have had in their native habitats, and whether they still serve any purpose in their new habitats.

My comparison study was done between two plants that have very different overall structure but similar looking flowers. I found myself noticing several distinct features of each species through drawing. Representing the smaller detailed parts of the plant was easier for me but I struggled with representing the overall shape of the plants. I'm going to find a small ruler and tape it to the inside of my nature journal so I have it in the future. For this study the measurements were approximations. The overall balance of drawing, writing, and data I was happy with but I'd like to find a way to better separate out the parts of the comparison.

I walked to a local park, where there was a section of native plant species. I was attracted to the wildly blooming flowers on two neighboring plants and used iNaturalist to try to identify them. Interestingly, iNaturalist indicated they were both in the oenothera family, even though they looked incredibly different. As I observed and sketched, I found myself looking for the similarities amidst the differences, to see how these two plants could be related, and thanks to doing direct comparisons - looking at the same features on each of the plants - I was able to see the subtle similarities. I found that comparison encouraged a balance of sketching, writing, and numerical data, simply because I was taking care to be precise. I'm not sure I used the space on the page well, and might wish to use boxes to separate the various perspectives I try in future observations.

I found that with comparative drawing each time I looked for a further detail when switching back and forth more details popped out. It’s seemed as I was going back and forth I was in a trance and very into the moment. I seemed to find my style here to with my drawings and information I presented. I want to find a way to sharpen the transition of info to picture maybe a box? I really enjoyed this assignment and am looking forward to getting out there and doing more. I think my next one I want to make a separate information column just for measurements. We will see! I feel I am definitely getting my confidence at this point!

I chose to compare two flowering plants in my backyard garden, a penstemon and a larkspur. In the process I learned a lot about the structure of both plants including their leaves, stems, and flowers. I also thought about the organisms that pollinated both plants and realized they were mostly the same for both plants. I'm finding I need to block out the drawing spaces first and then add the writing and numerical data. If not I tend to fill all the space with writing details.

I chose to perform a comparison study of several echinoderms: a round sand dollar, an arrowhead sand dollar, a sea biscuit and sea urchin. All the organisms exhibit pentaradial symmetry. The comparisons help to focus on details. I had wanted to know what purpose the lunules served with the sand dollars and explore the observation of the sea urchin with the hats (shells) on top of its spines. I had trouble with image file size

I am trying to figure out what to add to my pages for facts.  I think maybe some measurements, or what is in the environment.

I hiked in the Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Beavercreek Oregon. The terrain is steep, beautiful hiking path with many birdsongs. This is a managed forest by the county on land donated by a family. Last winter we had a tremendous ice storm that damaged many trees, so many that just the trails have been cleared, the forest is still damaged and it will take years to get it back to the way it was. I had come here in the past with the mycological society to learn about mushrooms. I sat on a stump, closed my eyes, listened and was amazed how soothing this little bit of meditation was. The flowers were not as plentiful and varied as other parts of the Cascade mountains, but this was peaceful on a holiday weekend.