Some foes in the plant world are well known and side-eyed by the masses. Multiflora Rose, Japanese Barberry, and Mile-a-minute are a few that come to mind. Yet, there are a handful of invasive and/or non-native species that you should avoid. Not only do they evade negative press, but they also remain popular amongst plant […]
Save the Monarchs: The Importance of Milkweed and Other Native Plants
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 […]
Name That Tree: Five PA Trees to Identify by Bark Alone
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 […]
An Oak for Any Scenario: A Guide to Native Oak Trees in Pennsylvania
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 […]
Three Plant Families for Pollinators: A Spring Planting Guide
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 […]
Lichens: Unassuming Beings That Will Blow Your Mind
When hiking in the woods in winter, it is easier to see details one might overlook during the warmer months. In the absence of leaves and flowers, things like the textures of bark, the beauty of different shades of brown, and the shapes of rocks stand out more boldly. One such star of the bleak […]
Seeps and Springs and Crawly Things
Despite climate change, things still get pretty frigid here in the northeast. You can see it in aquatic environments, where surface waters fall still, momentarily becoming sheets of ice. Small ponds transform into arenas for ice hockey, and lakes and reservoirs offer ice fishing opportunities for men much braver than I. Even stretches of rivers […]
Staff Favorites: Holiday Reading Recommendations
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up and learn more about nature. Whether you are looking for gift ideas for the nature lover in your life, a downtime-friendly book for this winter, or have a specific nature-related research question, you’ll want to read this list of book recommendations from our Heritage Conservancy staff! These […]
Meet the Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Our Region’s Lone Warbler for Winter Birding
Warblers are a celebrated group of birds, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, they’re very diverse, and they’re temporary – warblers are among the many types of birds that only hang around temperate regions for short periods of time. Here in the northeast, warblers show up in spring, around the same time that insects become […]
Fast-Growing Native Plants for Your Garden
These swamp rose mallows were photographed in bloom at Heritage Conservancy’s Aldie Mansion. Whether you are starting a new garden, expanding an existing one, or filling in a bald spot, many gardeners find themselves in need of beautiful plants that will fill a large area quickly. When selecting aggressive, fast-growing plants, going native is crucial. […]
