By: Lana Rothe, Susie Stillwell, and Layne Cassidy
In late May 2024, four friends—three of whom are Texas Master Naturalists—set off on a journey to the picturesque town of Castiglion Fiorentino in Tuscany, Italy. Representing the Alamo, North Texas, and Prairie Oaks chapters, this Italian adventure was prompted by a wedding invitation from a friend that two of them met during a study abroad program almost 15 years ago in college.
“Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro.” // “He who finds a friend, finds a treasure.”
A Journey Through Nature and Culture
The itinerary was a delightful mix of Tuscan treats and natural wonders. They visited a local winery, devoured pastries at La Perla, and enjoyed frothy cappuccinos at the charmingly dubbed “old man’s bar.”
Exploring Castiglion Fiorentino, they admired the town’s historic charm, climbing hills that offered breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside. Each step was an opportunity to connect more deeply with the land and its people—or just an excuse to stop and catch their breath.
“Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.” // “He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.”
Nature Highlights
For our master naturalists, the trip was a blend of sightseeing and botanical discovery. They snapped countless pictures of flowers, plants, and trees along the road by the church where the wedding was held. Engaging in conversations with locals and fellow travelers, they shared their passion for nature, discovering common ground with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and languages. A delightful surprise was learning that the bride’s mom is also a master naturalist in Boerne, sparking even more lively discussions about native plants and conservation efforts.
The ladies were fascinated by Italy’s agricultural practices. From lush home gardens and sprawling wineries to ancient olive farms, they observed and learned about sustainable practices that have been perfected over centuries. And let’s be honest, they were also just looking for more excuses to drink wine.
“La natura non ha fretta, eppure tutto si realizza.” // “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Layne’s Favorite Nature Moments
Prairie Oaks Chapter Member
Stumbling across a cherry tree full of ripe fruit in the groom’s nonna’s backyard was such a cool little surprise. Watching the family pick veggies from the garden and turn them into homemade pizza was such a wonderful (and delicious!) moment. The red poppies scattered across the Tuscan hills—so stunning! One of the best parts was showing the bride’s friends how to use the iNaturalist app and seeing how excited they got about exploring nature and becoming citizen scientists themselves!
Lana’s Favorite Nature Moments
Alamo Chapter Member
This trip to CfNo was full of many God wink moments of discovery and re-connection with friends. I loved seeing a place I’ve been before with a new lens. My favorite part was observing trees, plants, flowers and nature with a fresh perspective. I love that being a master naturalist has sparked curiosity and a desire to never stop learning. I can still smell the fresh jasmine with every turn….taking a moment to smile big and breathe deep. Another high for me was exploring Cortona. We took the bus on the 10 mile windy journey up to the hillside Tuscan town. We wandered and found a cafe to order a cappuccino, taking time to visit and listen to the sounds of the birds. I loved using my Merlin Bird ID to identify by sound. We then wandered the streets and shops, finding another local spot for wine and cheese. The perfect la dolce vita Italian day. This quote lives rent free in my head and constantly has me looking for the beauty around us.
“Awe is free for each and everyone of us every single day just by looking out into nature.”
Susie’s Favorite Nature Moments
North Texas Chapter Member
The charming hilltop town of Castiglion Fiorentino captured my heart in 2010 as a study abroad student. Each visit since has been uniquely special. On this trip, I brought my flower press and delighted in pressing the vibrant poppies! It was my first time in Italy since becoming a Master Naturalist in 2022, and I experienced the flora and fauna with fresh eyes. I was thrilled to discover a magnificent passion flower bush right next to my favorite pastry shop. I must have walked by it countless times, but this time I truly appreciated its beauty while savoring a delicious chocolate croissant.
Another flower that captivated me was the Golden Marguerite from the Genus Cota and aster family. I spotted it growing on the ancient walls of the historic town of Cortona. Its resemblance to the Four Nerve Daisy, which also belongs to the aster family, was striking. This trip was special for many reasons, but my newfound appreciation for the native plants made it truly unforgettable.
A Journey of Discovery and Connection
Whether discussing native plants with fellow naturalists, learning about Tuscan agriculture, or simply savoring the beauty of a cherry tree in an Italian grandmother’s garden, the connection to the world around us exists wherever we are. Sharing experiences with others reinforces the idea that a love for nature transcends geography and language. Plus, it turns out that nature talks are even better with a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards.
As everyone returned home, we carry with us not only memories of a beautiful wedding and breathtaking landscapes but also a deeper appreciation for the universal language of nature. This adventure in Tuscany was a reminder that wherever we go, nature’s beauty and wonder are there to greet us, inviting us to explore, learn, and connect—and maybe enjoy a bit too much gelato along the way.
“In Toscana il paesaggio è un dipinto e la natura un’opera d’arte.” // “In Tuscany, the landscape is a painting and nature is a work of art.”