I just can’t seem to get enough time traipsing around the forests, stream sides, woodlots and wetlands all around us here in the Times News area.

We have so many natural settings and quite a variety of birds, flowers, trees, insects, etc., right in front of our noses.

I’d like to share just a few more photos of some of the things I feel are tops in the “beauty” list.

Keep in mind that my opinion of beauty may vary a bit from yours.

Getting to see a yellow phase timber rattlesnake from 4 or 5 feet away, in my opinion, is beauty as well. And the close-up view of a dragonfly’s wings and compound eyes also makes me appreciate what nature has offered us.

I do hope, though, that we don’t let these things slip away. I subtly am also trying, with my columns, to remind you that these beautiful things you and I can find around us may not be here forever.

We do need to find ways to protect and preserve those same forests, stream sides, woodlots and wetlands that offer food, breeding areas, water and safety to these wonderful and diverse creatures and plants.

We can’t let our (maybe selfish) needs for expansion take these away. Let’s think carefully when another warehouse, solar farm, strip mall or housing development is proposed that may threaten our beautiful natural wonders that we so much enjoy.

Turn off the TV, set down your handheld devices a bit, get off the sofa a little more often and find your nature spot, which just may not be that far from your home. Get out there.

Test Your Outdoor Knowledge: Most insects have _____ eyes. A. 2; B. 4; C. 5; D. 8.

Last Week’s Trivia Answer: Our largest local snake is the black rat snake, although the black racer isn’t much smaller. More of those next spring.

Email Barry Reed at breed71@gmail.com