#smart outdoors

[the-adventures-of-dave]

Around tumblr lately I’ve seen people with the opinion that not only are free roaming cats bad (correct) but also supervised cats in catios or on leashes (????). I assume it must stem from that “ecology of fear” post from a few months ago, but to me the sudden appearance of these kinds of posts just strikes me as odd. I’ve seen multiple posts like the below one in just this week.

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If your cat is contained to your yard/catio/the sidewalk, then it still allows for predator-free safe places in your neighbourhood for wildlife, and creates predictability for them too. That’s one of the reasons why hiking trails ask people to stay on the trail— so you (and your dog, horse, cat, etc) can safely enjoy nature while still giving it space. It is possible to exist outdoors in natural spaces like that while maintaining wildlife comfort. If it wasn’t possible to do that, dog-friendly or (even just hiking trails in general, since humans are predators too) simply wouldn’t exist.

The problem with free roaming cats is that they break boundaries between human area (ie. trail, back porch) and wildlife area (foliage, etc) and there is nowhere the wildlife can go to exist that is safe from predators.

Idk, this is just my opinion but I just think there can be more nuance to the outdoor/free roaming cat issue than “never let your cat step outside under any circumstance”.

[basilbots]

Much like in the show Sun and Moon didn't actually get along when they first met. The two were captured and thrown in an aquatic facility by humans and. Fought and bickered and didn't get along those first few weeks :'D Very different mers very unhappy about being locked up in this small place. In their situation though they were all they had, eventually growing very close and adopting each other as siblings/podmates who would be inseparable once they got out.

[jadafitch]

Tidepool maze illustration, from Nature Smarts Workbook: All about Water (Ages 4-6), Mass Audubon and Storey Publishing . Out May 21st!

[zz-kitty-zz]

Follow me for more cute cat pics!

[jadafitch]

Cover sketch for I Love Birds, Nature Smarts Activity Book number 5! Not out until April 15th, but available for preorder now through Amazon and other retailers. PREORDER

[cupcakeshakesnake]

hi cat anon here - I wasn't "trying to push the American button just because you disagree with me" - it's just what could be construed as a majority of people I've seen on Tumblr with this view and vocal about it have been American, so I was wondering if you were as well. I also put a /gen q tonal tag in their around there so I'm not sure where you got that idea from. I also resent the idea that I'm being all "Americans are bad! you're American because I don't like your opinion!" and honestly I'm confused where that came from.

also I'll take a look at your articles tomorrow when I've got more time, but what I quoted was from *the* bird conservation charity in the UK, so I'm perplexed at the proposal that they would provide false information that cats don't present a significant threat as their whole thing is conserving and protecting wildlife, especially birds, that doesn't really make sense

Alright, sorry if I sounded a bit aggressive there, but the way you worded it ("I wonder if you are American as so many Americans seem to have this weird opinion") did sound rather prejudiced.

The reason you are seeing so many American opinions is probably just because there are so many American users on the Internet.

The RSPB is just one organization out of many, and does not speak for all of your country or all protection organizations. For better information I recommend you look into more information from differing organizations and countries, as it's better to look into multiple sources than rely on one source for a defining opinion. However, I still did some internet searches and found these RSPB articles on "How to protect birds from cats in the garden" and "How many birds do cats kill?"

This personal article condemning said charity for 'being worried about its cat-owning membership' is also interesting, if not academic.

I hope the articles provide some insight. And remember, there is more than just native wildlife at stake when it comes to outdoor cats. The cats themselves are being put in danger.

[jadafitch]

Nature Smarts Workbook: All about Water (Ages 4-6), is out now! From Mass Audubon and Storey Publishing . BOOK LINK

[jadafitch]

Nature Smarts Workbook, for ages 10-12 is out today!  From Mass Audubon and Storey Publishing.  Fun, educational and full of my illustrations. Nature Smarts Books available through Amazon and other book sellers.

[myblogs2024]

I Never Knew This Until I Transformed My Outdoor Space with Custom Landscape Lighting!

Yay! So I used to think that outdoor lighting was just a simple addition to a backyard—a few lights here and there to help with visibility at night. But after transforming my own outdoor space with custom landscape lighting, I realized it’s so much more than that.

It changed the entire look and feel of my home in ways I never expected. The warm glow highlighting my garden, the subtle lights leading up the pathway, and the beautifully lit trees completely redefined my outdoor experience. Here’s what I learned through this transformation—and why you might want to consider it for your own space.

The Power of Custom Landscape Lighting

It wasn’t until I had the lights installed that I understood the full impact of outdoor lighting. The transformation was immediate. Not only did it enhance the beauty of my yard, but it also added an unexpected level of safety and security. I thought I was just going for aesthetic appeal, but I got so much more out of the process.

Visual Impact: As soon as the lights were installed, my entire outdoor area came to life. The shadows cast by my trees, the highlights on the stone walkway, and the soft illumination of the flower beds created an entirely new atmosphere. It made my home look more inviting and warm, even from the street.

Increased Security: I hadn’t given much thought to security when I started this project, but the difference was clear. With custom lighting placed strategically around my home, it eliminated dark areas where intruders could potentially hide. I instantly felt safer.

Extended Living Space: Before, my backyard was a space I only used during the day. After the installation, it became an extension of my home. I found myself spending more time outside in the evening, enjoying the warm glow as I relaxed or hosted small gatherings.

Why Customization Matters

What surprised me most was how much customization made a difference. Sure, I could have gone with basic, off-the-shelf lighting, but having a custom plan tailored to my space made it feel personal and unique. The lighting wasn’t just functional—it was designed specifically to highlight the best features of my home.

Personalized Design: The team helped me choose lighting that complemented my home’s architecture, highlighting features I hadn’t even noticed before. From the small tree in the corner of the yard to the stone wall that runs alongside the house, everything suddenly had a spotlight.

Energy Efficiency: I was worried that all these new lights would send my electric bill skyrocketing, but thanks to modern LED technology, they’re incredibly energy-efficient. I could enjoy the ambiance without worrying about high costs.

Tips I Wish I Knew Beforehand

As I went through the process of transforming my outdoor space, I picked up a few tips I wish I had known earlier. If you’re considering landscape lighting for your home, here are some things to keep in mind:

Layer Your Lighting: Using different types of lighting—like uplights for trees and path lights for walkways—adds depth to the design. It’s not just about one kind of light; mixing and matching can create stunning effects.

Think About Functionality: While aesthetics are important, don’t forget about the practical aspects. Lighting your pathways and driveways not only looks good but also helps prevent accidents at night.

Hire Professionals: I initially thought about doing it myself, but I’m so glad I hired experts like the team at Got Lights. Their expertise ensured that everything was installed correctly and designed with precision.

The Impact It Had on My Home

After experiencing the transformation firsthand, I realized that custom landscape lighting isn’t just for show—it’s a game-changer for how you interact with your outdoor space. My yard went from being a basic backyard to a cozy, inviting space that feels like an extension of my home. I had no idea how much lighting could elevate the experience until I saw it for myself.

Transforming my outdoor space with custom landscape lighting opened my eyes to the power of light. It didn’t just brighten up my backyard—it changed the way I use and enjoy the entire space. The combination of aesthetics, security, and functionality was something I didn’t fully understand until I went through the process.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your own space, I highly recommend exploring landscape lighting near me. It might surprise you just how much it can change your home. What’s stopping you from creating your own outdoor oasis? Check out Got Lights? for inspiration and expert solutions that fit your unique style.

Have you ever transformed your outdoor space with lighting? What challenges or successes did you experience? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments! And if you’re ready to see the difference for yourself, Got Lights? has the expertise to bring your vision to life.