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Accessories for Nature and Science Book Lovers

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Elizabeth Bastos

Staff Writer

Elizabeth Bastos has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, and writes at her blog 19th-Century Lady Naturalist. Follow her on Twitter: @elizabethbastos

Accessories for nature and science book lovers should include tools for observation of the natural world, right? Therefore I submit to you, dear fellow nature and science books lover, this list. A few of my favorite nature and science book reading accessories:

The iNaturalist app is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. “One of the world’s most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you…” And it is a great community party of like-minded nature nerds.

At the seashore this summer in a tide pool? People like us frequently find ourselves in them.  Peterson’s Field Guide To The Atlantic Seashore Is Actually A Guide To Life.  You will need a magnifying hand lens or loupe for up close looking at lacy bryzoan species on kelp, no euphemism (see above).

wild cheryl strayedWhat are you wearing? A backpack of course. And bib overalls or a very of-the-moment Us jumpsuit as you potter about the community garden looking every inch a farm girl. Duluth Trading Company patented its own “crouch gusset” overalls for “crouch without the ouch.” Spring fashion goals!

Anyone who spends any amount of time out-of-doors outdoors sauntering or urban birding needs a wide-brimmed sun hat and tick repellentAnd binoculars, obviously.

Let’s talk about footwear.  Hiking boots or trail-running shoes that are waterproof are a must-have because, duh, nature trails are not always tidy. Try these, Salomon Quests recommended by Wirecutter for the muddy path less taken.

Furthermore, a jaunty bandana. You need one for sopping sweat from your brow, for carrying wild-picked blackberries.

How have you styled your beard, gentlemen? Like this, I hope, as you read from the nature and science book Peterson’s Guide to Wildflowers.