Nature Notes

Curiosity Over Fear: Some Cool Spiders I’ve Found in Southeastern Pennsylvania

October 10, 2025

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…

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Gothic Garden: From Bleeding Heart to Witch Hazel, Give Your Garden a Witchy, Goth Vibe with Native Plants

October 7, 2025

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…

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Buyer Beware: Popular Non-Native Species You Should Avoid

August 11, 2025

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…

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Save the Monarchs: The Importance of Milkweed and Other Native Plants

July 8, 2025

Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies. Learn how native plants support pollinators and protect biodiversity in Pennsylvania.

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honey locust tree trunk to identify by spiney bark alone

Name That Tree: Five PA Trees to Identify by Bark Alone

June 11, 2025

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…

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An Oak for Any Scenario: A Guide to Native Oak Trees in Pennsylvania

April 10, 2025

Learn how to identify native oak trees in Pennsylvania and understand their critical role in forest ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and conservation.

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Three Plant Families for Pollinators: A Spring Planting Guide

March 7, 2025

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…

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Lichens: Unassuming Beings That Will Blow Your Mind

February 12, 2025

Lichens play an essential role in forest health and air quality. Discover why these overlooked organisms matter in Pennsylvania ecosystems.

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Seeps and Springs and Crawly Things

January 8, 2025

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…

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Staff Favorites: Holiday Reading Recommendations

December 12, 2024

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…

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Meet the Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Our Region’s Lone Warbler for Winter Birding

November 15, 2024

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…

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Fast-Growing Native Plants for Your Garden

October 11, 2024

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,…

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