Linking About: Inspiring minds, endangered plants and nature’s torch

My snowcatchers have had plenty of snow to catch this month! We’ve had 5 legit snowfalls already (and a few other days of flurries), including 9.5" the day after Christmas. I believe we’ve had more snow in December than we had in either of our previous winters here, cumulatively. So that’s my almanac for this final month of the year that was 2025 — one I’m not sorry to say goodbye to, generally speaking. That said, I’m aiming for a positive attitude and lots of inspiration heading into the new year, so today I have for you a handful of interviews and profiles of inspiring individuals, plus a few worthwhile oddments—

• I’m excited to listen to this conversation between Robin Wall Kimmerer and Atmos editor Willow Defebaugh, which is guaranteed to be as thoughtful as a conversation can be.

• “Planting trees is both activism and prayer. Every tree we plant says ‘we were here, and we’re not going anywhere.” From this great Ebony profile of ‘Black in the Garden’ podcaster Colah B. Tawkin.

• “[P]lants are the basis of all life on Earth, and I believe that creating and caring for gardens are, therefore, the highest form of art and interpretation that you can achieve. To create opportunities for human emotion and connection while supporting our endangered wildlife is the noblest of callings.” From this great Gardenista q&a with Richard Hayden, head of horticulture at the High Line.

• I was sad to hear that Betty Reid Soskin died, albeit at the age of 104! Best known as the nation’s oldest park ranger, she was also the great-aunt of my friend, journalist Danyel Smith, who wrote about her here. Condolences to everyone who knew her — she was clearly an incredible woman.

• The Washington Post posted 4 endangered plants that protect human health. If you have a WaPo subscription (I do not), you can read about 46 more of them.

• Can’t decide how to feel about this situation of scientists studying monarch butterflies’ brains.

• And how lovely: the mullein torch

Thank you for spending some of your precious time here these past six months. I have big dreams and plans for 2026 and look forward to sharing them with you! Happiest of new years to you—