My Wonder Wishlist
WonderLark Newsletter is my documentation of a DIY expedition into scientific wonder. I’m building my own offbeat, self-guided curriculum in zoology, marine biology, botany, nature art, and beyond—without the tuition, tests, or Bio 101 prerequisites.
Below, you’ll find my ever-growing list of hobbies, adventures, books to read, and trips to take. As I complete each one, I’ll link to an article sharing the experience. If there’s no link yet… assume it’s still on the to-do list.
I’m always open to collaborations—whether that’s sponsorships, free courses, travel or product reviews. Every bit helps me pursue this dream, share it with others, and encourage more people to follow their own sense of wonder.
Interested in partnering?
Reach out anytime: hello@statementspecies.com
The Wonder Wishlist
I’m a non-scientist learning as I go, doing my best to approach everything with curiosity, care, and ethics. This is a preliminary wish list—some ideas may evolve or be removed if they turn out to be unrealistic or not ethically sound. Your insight is welcome! Feel free to leave a comment with feedback, suggestions, or red flags. Thanks for helping shape this journey.
🧪 Nature + Science Hobbies
Photomicrography – capturing images through a microscope
Saltwater aquarium – maintaining a thriving reef ecosystem
Coral propagation – fragging and growing coral at home
Time-lapse rig – documenting plant growth or lichen over time
Bird feeder cam – setting up a camera to observe visiting species
Indoor garden – experimenting with unusual or rare plants
Butterfly rearing – raising native species from egg to release
Bioluminescence kits – culturing glow-in-the-dark algae or fungi
Telescope / Observatory – backyard stargazing
🎨 Creative Nature Projects
Botanical inks – making ink from walnuts, berries, and onion skins
Cyanotypes – sun-printing with leaves, feathers, and found specimens
Natural pigments – mixing paint from foraged plants and minerals
Indigo dyeing – dyeing fabric
Handmade paper – crafting sheets with pressed flowers or local fibers
Nature journaling – recording observations with writing and sketches
Scientific illustration – learning to render plants and animals accurately
Bonsai practice – studying the art and science of miniaturized trees
📚 Learning & Exploration
Species deep dives – reading books on unusual or overlooked animals
Online classes & workshops – botany, zoology, microscopy, etc.
Citizen science projects – contributing data to real research
🌍 Wild Adventures & Field Experiences (Aka Travel Bucket List)
Visit monarchs at a sanctuary – during migration
Volunteer at a sea turtle rehab – e.g., in Florida, Costa Rica, or Greece
Observe whales from land and sea – ideally during a migration season
Swim with manatees – e.g., Crystal River, Florida
Scuba dive in a marine protected area – e.g., Bonaire or Raja Ampat
Snorkel among coral nurseries – with conservation groups
Tidepool exploration – join a guided coastal ecology tour
Kayak during a bioluminescent bloom – Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
Visit a sloth rescue – e.g., Costa Rica
Hike with a naturalist in the Amazon – e.g., Yasuni National Park, Ecuador
Explore the Galápagos – with a species field guide
Join an herbalist-led foraging walk – focused on native or medicinal plants
Track orchids on a cloud forest trail – such as in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Dig fossils at a paleontology site – e.g., in Wyoming, Alberta, or Morocco
Visit a tropical bird sanctuary – with free-flying toucans
Your insight is welcome! Feel free to leave a comment with feedback and suggestions. Thanks for helping shape this journey.