Category: Out in the Woods

To mow or to mow less: a “lazy lawnmower” approach to providing bee habitat.

From: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/55816  Green spaces embedded within the urban matrix, particularly residential yards, could mitigate negative aspects of urban development and provide pollinator habitat. Lawns represent a dominant green space, and their management consists of frequent mowing to inhibit the growth of ostensibly “weedy” species… Continue Reading “To mow or to mow less: a “lazy lawnmower” approach to providing bee habitat.”

Ever really look at goldenrods!?

The Turkey

First domesticated in Mexico about 3000 years ago by the pre-Aztecs, Turkey’s were used not so much for meat, but for their feathers…which were used during their rituals and ceremonies, and for making blankets and robes. They were again domesticated about 2300 years ago… Continue Reading “The Turkey”

Light Pollution

On the first night of an Outward Bound camping trip, a teenager was found staring up to the skies…with tearful eyes. She had never before seen the stars and hadn’t realized the awesome beauty above her all those years. She was from an urban… Continue Reading “Light Pollution”

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

  Part of most land trusts advocacies are efforts to secure habitat for the local creatures, especially the rare species like the spicebush plant upon which the spicebush swallowtail butterfly lays its eggs, and which also provides food for their caterpillars. Here, we see something… Continue Reading “Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly”

Vernal Pools

During the summer months, a keen eye may be needed to recognize vernal pool areas — life-generating and legally-protected areas.  Often associated with forested wetlands, vernal pools (also called “spring pools”) are found on many of the Trust’s lands. These pools are typically shallow… Continue Reading “Vernal Pools”

The Beaver

The Beaver have returned after a long hiatus!! The guy above is telling his friends that someone’s a bit too close! At 3-4 feet long (tail included) and 40-60 pounds, the Beaver is the largest rodent in North America. Once among the most widely… Continue Reading “The Beaver”