#Nature April 1

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In April 2025, many of us are joining the 30-Day Nature Observation Challenge. Each day, the goal is to share an observation—a plant, animal, or sound—experienced while spending time outdoors. Wise individuals have noted that observing nature enhances mindfulness, reduces stress, and deepens our appreciation for life’s interconnectedness—a challenge well worth accepting.

Today, my observation is on North Carolina’s state flower: the DOGWOOD.

As we embark on our 64th consecutive monthly challenge, Jeff Neelon, Jaclyn Donovan, and I feel ready to inspire others to join us. Step outside and let nature awaken your senses—breathe in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, and listen as the world comes alive. Every moment outdoors is a chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the beauty around you.

Nature Observation 30-Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. Commit to spending time outdoors for the next 30 days, observing a new plant, animal, or sound each day.

1. Record your observations to track your journey.
2. Share your findings with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge.

Observation #1-Dogwood

Let’s start with irony a tree is known for its flower. North Carolina’s state flower, the dogwood, is known for its delicate white or pink blossoms that brighten the landscape each spring. Symbolizing resilience and beauty, the dogwood tree is a cherished part of the state’s natural heritage, often found lining forests, parks, and roadsides.

It is the time of year in Southeastern North Carolina where blooms are everywhere including dogwood trees. On my walk in the neighborhood, I stopped and spent a couple of minutes observing the bloom.

Studying the blossom, I decided to research what I was looking at in the above photo I took. The four white petal looking objects are actually called bracts. Bracts are modified leaves with flowers in the center. Those 2 dozen yellow buds are the actual flower.

One last fact that I learned by observing and becoming curious.

The tip of each dogwood bract carries a purplish-red scar. It has no known function, but religious settlers to America took the four-part dogwood bloom as a symbol of the Easter cross, equating the red marks with blood stains from the wounded hands and feet of Christ.