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Show Nature Some Love 💚
Smoky Mountain Nature Lady Newsletter Feb. 2026 - Vol 2, Issue 2
Cindy Johnson
February 02, 2026
⏩FAST FACT
A lot of wild animals don't "need" a giant lake or river to get by, as many rely on small puddles, shallow streams, dew, and tiny water sources to drink. That's why even something as small as a clean, shallow dish of water in the shade (changed regularly) can make a difference.
Eastern gray squirrel enjoying a drink on a cold, wintry day.
❄️🌲Love Letters to the Outdoors (That Look Like Actions)
Hi friend! 💌
Since Valentine's Day is all about love, I thought we'd aim some of that warm, mushy goodness at the outdoors. Because nature? She's been showing us love forever, fresh air, birdsong, wildflowers, shade on hot days, and that calming hush you feel the second you step under a canopy of trees.
So this month's theme is simple: Love Nature Back. Little actions. Big ripple effects. Let's do it.
I used to think "helping nature" had to be something BIG: plant a forest, rescue a bear, invent a new recycling system. But the truth is, nature responds beautifully to the small stuff.
On my neighborhood walk the other day, I noticed a wadded-up candy wrapper stuck in a little tangle of weeds. It was such a tiny thing, but it also felt like a tiny insult sitting there in the middle of something so peaceful. I picked it up, and I'll be honest: I got that same satisfied feeling you get when you put fresh sheets on the bed.
That's the kind of love I mean this month. Not perfection. Not guilt. Just care.
Here are a few simple, real-world "Valentines" you can give nature:
1) Pick up trash on walks and hikes
Bring a small bag (or keep one in your car).
If you want to go pro, a glove or grabber tool makes it easier and less icky.
Bonus: You'll start noticing how fast a spot looks better with just a handful of litter removed.
2) Feed birds (the smart way)
Keep feeders clean (quick scrub = happy, healthier birds).
Offer what birds actually want to eat (not a stale mystery mix).
3) Put out fresh water for wildlife
Think "small, safe sips," not a "backyard swimming pool."
A shallow dish + a few small rocks for landing spots = a helpful setup for small critters (like squirrels and rabbits) and birds.
Refresh often to keep it clean.
4) Plan your spring garden for pollinators and wildlife
Even if you only have a pot on a porch, you can plant with purpose.
Choose flowers that provide nectar and pollen
Aim for blooms across seasons (so something is always "open for business")
Leave a little "wild corner" if you can - nature loves a bit of mess
Plan ahead for spring and summer!
5) One more love-language idea: leave nature clues alone
If you find feathers, nests, bones, or "cool stuff," it's sooooo tempting to bring it home. But often, though, leaving it where it is helps the ecosystem (and keeps wild places wild). Snap a photo instead - they're nature's free souvenirs. 😉
Don’t miss some cool stuff! Check out my pop-up shop for my favorite nature merchandise. Open https://smoky-mtn-nature-lady.printify.me in a new window.
📝WORD UP
Stewardship (noun): Taking something you care about and treating it like it’s in your hands, because it is.
Stewardship doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It just means you show up, notice what’s going on, and help in whatever ways you can.
You never know who you may see hiding in the brush . . .
⭐️NATURE CHALLENGE
The "Love Nature Back" Bingo (Pick 3!)
On your next walk (backyard, neighborhood, park, anywhere), try to find:
Choose any three this month:
Pick up 10 pieces of litter
Refill and refresh a shallow water dish for 7 days
Clean a bird feeder (or bird bath)
Learn 1 new bird call/sound
Leave a "wild corner" in the yard (even a small one!)
Plant one pollinator-friendly plant (a container plant counts!)
Walk the same trail twice and notice 5 new details
Tell a friend one thing you love about your local outdoors
If you do all 8, you officially earn the title: Chief Nature Valentine 💘🌿
🎁FEBRUARY FREEBIE!
👇Download and Print as a Reminder!👇
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🍃CONSERVATION STATION
The Tiny Habit That Helps the Most
If I had to pick just one "love for nature" thing to do in February? It's this: Make "leave it better than you found it" your default.
Not in a stressful way. In a gentle way.
Tempting to pick up and take? Yes, but it’s better to just snap a photo!
Examples:
Pick up one piece of litter, even if you don't do a complete cleanup
Step around plants instead of crushing them when it's avoidable
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife (loving animals sometimes means not getting close)
Small kindness = big love.
🎥VIDEO CONNECTIONS
Here’s a fun and really helpful video that highlights the things you can do to help birds in the colder months.
💬QUOTE-A-PALOOZA
To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.
— Robin Wall Kimmerer
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Here are a few fun things to look up or explore this month (no homework energy required - just curiosity):
What native plants support the most pollinators in your region
How to clean a bird feeder safely (quick and simple)
Why leaving leaf litter can help butterflies and beneficial insects
The easiest "starter" flowers for pollinator gardens
Don’t Forget …
If you enjoyed this issue of the Smoky Mountain Nature Lady Newsletter, send it on to a friend who loves a good walk, a pretty bird, or an unexpected "look at that tiny mushroom!" moment. 🌿💚
And if you're not subscribed yet, sign up! There's always something blooming, buzzing, or waddling around the corner.
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