While I was watering the garden yesterday I saw something lurking in the leaves. It was a Coccinella septempunctata hunting for prey amongst the Allium Schoenoprasum. If your garden Latin isn't up to speed - I saw a Ladybug on a Chives bloom. It's nice to know that beneficial insects have found my garden and are chowing down on aphids and the like.

More Info:

Coccinella septempunctata - Ladybug

Allium Schoenoprasum - Chives

Most of us have seen recycling bins next to trash cans in public places. Recycling isn't quite universal yet, but it has become common enough that many of us expect it. I will often carry plastic or aluminum home if I can't find a recycling bin nearby. But, this is the first time I've seen a compost bin in a public place.

What: Bike To Work Week
When: May 12 - 16, 2008
Where: Nationwide

If you're looking for a way to save money on gas this year, here's a way to get unlimited miles per gallon. Instead of a gas-guzzling car, truck or SUV, try driving a bicycle to work for a week. The League of American Bicyclists is sponsoring their annual Bike to Work Week and Bike to work Day from May 12 through 16 this year. Check out the Bike Month Special Events to see what events may be happening near you.

What: Sustainability Week and GreenBuilt Tour New Mexico
When: May 10 - 18, 2008
Where: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, NM

I've been reading about Green Building and scores of new ideas and technologies being developed. With so many possible building designs and techniques the choices can be overwhelming. I think it's time to check out some green homes and buildings to see what works and what doesn't. Just in time for Spring home improvement and house hunting season here comes Sustainability Week and the New Mexico GreenBuilt Tour.

Michael Pollan discusses 'In Defense of Food' for the Authors@Google series on March 4, 2008.

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

Just thought I'd take a moment to appreciate San Antonio mountain on this Earth Day 2008. If you ever driven on U.S. 285 in northern New Mexico or southern Colorado you've seen San Antonio. It's the freestanding remnants of an ancient volcano standing in the middle of a vast grassland. San Antonio mountain is maintained as a Wilderness Study Area and is home to many species, including a large herd of elk through the winter.

In a New York Times Earth Day column, Michael Pollan asks
 "Why Bother? That really is the big question facing us as individuals hoping to do something about climate change, and it’s not an easy one to answer."

'It ain't over until it's over.'

Spring in the Rocky Mountains doesn't begin precisely on the Spring Equinox. Winter can hang on for several weeks, especially among the mountain peaks. Snow storms in the spring are a common enough occurrence, yet they still manage to surprise visitors and locals. I love these spring snow storms for the water they bring, the bright white coat they give the mountains and skiing for those willing to hike for their turns.

SnowCode.org