🌳 How to start a nature journal

Tuesday 12/23: Sponsored by Cornbread Hemp and Noom - Sea turtle rescue, sunset of the day, nature journal

Tuesday

"If you wish to know the divine, feel the wind on your face and the warm sun on your hand.”

Buddha

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

  • An island where turtles heal

  • Sunset of the day in Ontario

  • A natural way to stay rested

  • How to start a nature journal

  • How to build lasting wellness habits

True or False?

Butterflies can see colors we can’t, including ultraviolet.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

An Island Where Turtles Heal

At Gaya Island Resort in Malaysia, the spa treatments are dreamy, but the sea turtle rehabilitation program is the most moving part of the stay.

This luxury resort sits inside a marine park surrounded by coral reefs and rainforest. Alongside swim-up villas and local cuisine, guests are invited to plant coral, learn about mangroves, and help restore critical marine ecosystems. Their conservation team has even rescued 29 endangered green sea turtles.

One turtle, also named Gaya, arrived severely underweight and dehydrated. After a month of antibiotics, rehydration, and a careful diet plan, she regained her strength and was released back into the sea.

The resort’s efforts don’t stop with tourists. Their “7 Wonders” program, which highlights local wildlife, also serves schoolchildren to help grow future generations of nature lovers.

Sunset of the Day in Ontario

This serene sunset came to us from The Canopy reader Cynthia, who captured a peaceful view from Ontario’s Ottawa River. Caught in the golden haze, the water reflects the sun.

Thanks for sending this in, Cynthia. If a sunset (or sunrise!) has stopped you in your tracks lately, we’d love to see it too. Send in your view for a chance to be featured!

Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Cynthia.

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Thank you to Cornbread Hemp for sponsoring The Canopy.

How to Start a Nature Journal

There’s something grounding about writing things down by hand, especially when you’re outside. A nature journal is part sketchbook, part observation log, and part reminder to slow down and really notice what’s around you.

You don’t need to be a scientist or artist to start one. A durable notebook and pencil are all it takes. On your next walk or park visit, jot down what you see, hear, and wonder about, like a flash of blue feathers or oddly shaped leaves. Add a quick sketch or describe the smell of the air.

Over time, this small habit builds deeper awareness and appreciation for your environment. It also helps kids and adults alike develop a personal connection to their local ecosystems.

You can keep it simple or go all in with field guides and watercolors. Either way, nature journaling turns everyday moments into something meaningful and may even inspire you to protect what you’ve taken time to notice.

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  • Personalized Plan tailored to your goals

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Thank you to Noom for sponsoring The Canopy.

Quick Picks

From duckling zoomies to leftover love, check out this week’s top eco-friendly finds:

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True! Their eyes are built differently from ours, with extra types of photoreceptors that allow them to detect UV light. This helps them spot flower patterns invisible to us, which guide them to nectar. In a way, they see a whole layer of the natural world that we miss.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!