"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.)
​
That quote has been used so much in conservation and science education, that it's become cliche. The funny thing about cliches is that they can hold a lot of truth. We tend to live by that ethos. If we show you the wonders of nature, along with the ecological story behind it - you'll come to love it and protect it. That's it. That's the goal.
Who We Are
Kirby Adams (he/him) is the founder, and, as of March 2026, the sole contributor at Understory. Kirby is a naturalist living in southern Michigan. His backyard is pictured above. He has written for the American Birding Association, Michigan Audubon, National Parks Traveler, and other birding and travel blogs.
​
For now, it's mostly Kirby producing content here. When the word "we" pops up, it's because he has friends who share this love of nature and ecology, and it seems like a group effort to spread the good word. "We" is all of us, the readers included.
Other Projects
Margins of the Map
We are committed to scientific accuracy, translating complex biological observations into stories that honor the true complexity of nature.
Flickr
Connecting human emotion with ecological patterns. We believe that to protect the understory, one must first feel their place within it.
iNaturalist
Knowledge leads to stewardship. We actively support and initiate regional reforestation and habitat preservation projects.