The order came out that in addition to sheltering in place, we in Sonoma County are in the midst of a parks closure. During times like these we need nature, fresh air, and space. So, what to do?

Here’s what to do: Explore places that you might overlook in the everyday hustle and bustle. Take a breath or two. Dive in. Observe your own backyard. Download iNaturalist or eBird and try them out.

Now, not all of us have sizable estates or even a humble town garden to call our own. But there is life all around us in Sonoma Valley. We just have to stop and look.

Do you know all the plants around your home? Have you any idea what kind of ants try to invade your kitchen during the rainy season? What about the species of bees and butterflies emerging this time of year?

I am an aquatic biologist, or “Professional Puddle Jumper,” by trade. You can find me practicing social-distanced fieldwork any time, downloading stream temperature and depth data from a meter somewhere in Sonoma Creek. For the past year, I have been lucky enough to be part of the Sonoma Ecology Center Research Team working on a variety of stream flow, water quality and other projects in our local area.

Lately, while not working I’m often found weeding in our garden. On warm days I may see two of our common garden reptiles: Alligator Lizards, and every Sonoma child’s onetime friend, Blue Bellies, aka Western Fence Lizard. In our garden, they have many insects to enjoy. Frolicking, basking and hiding in the raised beds of native plants we planted recently seem to be their favorite pastimes.

On rainy days like today, I am especially happy. This is not just because we really do need the water, but some of my favorite backyard inhabitants come out of hiding: Arboreal Salamanders, Slender Salamanders and Tree Frogs.

Then when the glorious sunlight shines through the clouds once more, the birds begin to sing. Maybe you too have noticed an increase in bird visits since we humans became a bit less active while sheltering in place? Do you know them all? Recently, Western Bluebirds began visiting our bird baths, and though we’ve seen them nearby, this is their first visit to our yard. They are now here every day for a late-afternoon bath.

Why not relax in your garden with a nice glass of something refreshing and watch the antics of birdie bath time yourself. Don’t have a birdbath? Try an old lid, basin or bowl. Clean it weekly, make sure it has water, is safe from predators and has nearby drying-off branches.

We also have our favorite longtime guardians: two very feisty and territorial Anna’s Hummingbirds, who begrudgingly share our small garden’s nectar and their sunset hunt for insects. They seem to love the sages we have planted but are especially protective of the California Fuchsia when it is in bloom. Their sunny day dives are quite a sight.

When it is not wet, I bring my laptop into the garden to work, breathe and observe. I do some of my best writing there. If you do not have such a place, enjoy your patio, a warm comfy chair by the window, or a simple strip of green in your neighborhood. Even a chair outside your door will suffice.

Remember to keep a safe distance for the sake of your health and others, but do get close to all the non-human life around you. Take time to notice. Indulge in the dynamic, biodiverse Valley we call home. Most of all, don’t forget your sense of wonder! It might take you to places of shelter you’ve never been to. Taking the time to breathe and observe might just be the best medicine available. Be well!

Wendy Hayes is Research Project Manager for Sonoma Ecology Center.