The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is one of our largest and longest-lived trees in the eastern US, but the future of these grand trees is uncertain due to Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). In 2012, northeastern Ohioans noticed that the leaves of their American beech trees were becoming banded, crinkly, and wrinkled and dying, a sure […]
What might be on a Christmas list for our wildlife, if they could come together to generate one? “Wildlife” is a very broad term, so wishes would likely vary. Pine martens might jot down “more trees please” while meadowlarks would request “fewer forests, more grasslands.” Even with that variability, there are some goods that I […]
As we embark on the season of turkey consumption, it’s a fun time to highlight what it is that wild turkeys are out there eating this time of year. Spoiler alert: it isn’t stuffing, casseroles, or morsels of their brethren. Rather, a wild turkey feast involves the fruits and seeds that native plants cook up. […]
When hiking, I usually don’t set out to find a cool spider, but when I stumble upon them, it sure is a treat! Arachnids are a vital component of our local ecosystems and some of them are pretty neat to look at, too. Here are five such species I’ve come across in Southeastern Pennsylvania. A […]
Not all gardens have to have a cheery, bright aesthetic. If you prefer the macabre to the mainstream, here are five combinations of native plants to give your backyard a witchy, goth look. The Vision To achieve this look, I’m pulling plants for a few different reasons: Rich reds and purples – to darken your […]
Many invasive or non-native plants are widely recognized and avoided by landowners; Multiflora Rose, Japanese Barberry, and Mile-a-minute are common examples. Interestingly, there are still several other species that remain popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Some of that can be attributed to their beauty, but I’d argue that some of it simply stems from […]
The monarchs need our help, and you can help by planting milkweed and other wildflowers that provide the necessary food and nectar for these species. Monarchs Are Under Threat The monarch butterfly population has decreased by 90% in the past 20 years! This beautiful pollinator is now at risk of endangered status under the Endangered […]
Tree identification can be an intimidating pursuit. The path of least resistance involves keeping vague that blanket of green that provides us with shade in the summer. I took that path for longer than I wish I had. What I’ve come to realize is that tree ID is a lifelong pursuit, and the sooner you […]
Thanks to the work of Dr. Doug Tallamy and his lab of ecologists, oaks have become all the rage. Before the publication of his book, The Nature of Oaks, I knew I most enjoyed wandering through oak-dominated forests, but after I read his research, I understood why. When it comes to attracting and supporting biodiversity […]
Are you hoping to attract more pollinators to your land? When it comes to supporting pollinators, there are three plant families that deserve a shout out. Asters, Mints, and Legumes are similar in many ways, but they differ considerably in how they support pollinators. It’s important to understand family’s nutritional offerings. Here are a few […]
