b'Nature NotesFrom information about local animal species to recipes from forest-found ingredients, our websites Nature Notes series educates our readers about all things environmental. Launched in February 2022, Nature Notes are published on the second Thursday of each month as a way for Heritage Conservancys environmental experts to share their knowledge with our audience.Visit our websites Nature Notes section for these full articles and more.+KNOW THY SNAKE NEIGHBOR: EASTERN MILKSNAKE LAMPROPELTIS TRIANGULUMEastern Milksnakes are among the most misunderstood snake species we have in Pennsylvania. Because theybear a slight resemblance to the venomous (but alsomisunderstood) Northern Copperhead, theyre often senselessly persecuted by people. The truth is, not only are Eastern Milksnakes completely harmless, they actually make pretty decent neighbors. Eastern Milksnakes are often found in and around old barns and agricultural facilities. Their natural habitat includes a variety of environments, including old fields, rocky meadows, rocky hillsides, and deciduous woodlands.ENDANGERED MONARCHS AND The bulk of their diet consists of small rodents, such as field mice and voles. So if you arent the biggest fan ofOUR ROLE IN HELPING THEM rodents but live alongside them, having Eastern MilksnakesOne of the most famous butterfly species, the Monarch butterfly, around will help to keep those populations in check! is not just known for its iconic orange and black colorationSnakes are fascinating members of our biological but also their unique life history. These butterflies make somecommunities, and we hope you consider welcoming of the most spectacular migrations in the animal kingdom. them as somewhat secretive but truly chill neighbors. Unfortunately, as of the past two decades, these incredibleSebastian Harris, Conservation Easement Steward butterflies are in danger. With your help and the help ofour community, we hope to prevent the decline of Monarchbutterflies and ensure their survival for future generations.Heritage Conservancy is creating native wildflower meadows and patches (including milkweeds) at our preserves throughout Bucks County. The Community Science program has beentagging butterflies at Jackson Pond preserve for the last two seasons to study their migration routes back to Mexico. We grew and donated over 100 milkweed plants to community members to plant on their properties this year. Heritage Conservancyeducates the public about the importance of pollinators and how to best protect and conserve them for future generations.Tyler Kovacs, Conservation Steward4'