Tuscan evening spring walk with fireflies May 21, 2026

As I write this, my fingertips slightly stained by mulberries picked fresh off the tree, I sit in front of wide open double doors enjoying the evening air which offers hints of hay and the hot springs of Saturnia in southern Tuscany. A deep sniff might reveal a whiff of lavender, elderberry, honeysuckle.  The waxing moon heads toward the west casting a faint illumination over the hills. The lights of Montemerano glow in the distance above me while Saturnia is up the steep hill behind me. The fireflies dance in the grass to the music of the owls, crickets, and other night beings.

People have lived here in community with nature for thousands of years, and the night sparkles with life– human, insect, bird, plant, mineral even. I could do without the mosquitoes and their bites which leave me so itchy, but they feed the birds which I love listening to and watching as they flit from tree to tree or soar above me. It’s all a cycle of life.

International Day for Biodiversity 22 May 2026

In the midst of all this natural beauty, I am contemplating International Day for Biodiversity held annually on May 22.  Last year, I wrote about visiting the regenerative organic vineyards of La Maliosa which teem with biodiversity. This year, I want to focus on Carlo Petrini, because on the eve of International Biodiversity Day, Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, died. I want to celebrate both with a recognition of the important work of those protecting global biodiversity as they grow good, clean, and fair food for all.

Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement which begat the Slow Wine guides

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