Category: Nature Notes
A Very Brief History of Southeastern PA’s Geology
4.6 billion years is a long story to tell within a human lifetime, let alone a single article, yet here I am trying to sum up PA’s place – southeastern…
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In Praise of Snow and its Vital Role in Wildlife Habitat
Snow protects plant roots, insulates soil, and supports wildlife survival. Explore the ecological importance of winter snow in Pennsylvania forests.
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Pawpaw: A Big Fruit in Need of Bigger Love
If you’ve never heard of the fruit and tree known as Pawpaw, you’re not alone, and if you have heard of it, chances are you’re a big fan. As the…
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Autumn’s Very Own: Meet the Witch Hazel
The basic strategy for plant life in temperate climates is to maximize above-ground activity during the spring and summer months when warmth, water, and light are plentiful. Yet there is…
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Chimney Swifts: A Species in Decline
A chimney swift darts over a pond in Prospect Park in NYC. Photo by Ryan Mandelbaum. Introduction The US Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) published its…
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Find These Three Mushrooms of Summer
We’ve reached the depths of summer, as evidenced by intense waves of heat and humidity. Solace from our powerful sun awaits beneath the shade of trees, and lucky for us,…
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The Mountain Laurel – PA’s State Flower
Explore the history and ecology of mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower, and its importance to native woodland ecosystems.
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The Other Pollinators
A red milkweed beetle. Most of our pollinators get overlooked for one reason or another. Some are too tiny, simply living out of sight and out of mind, whereas others…
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Turtles on the Road: How to Help
Eastern Box Turtle found crossing a quiet back road. The months of May and June usually spring most of our wildlife into action. With cooler temperatures quickly fading, resources become…
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The Benefits of Downed Wood
Chicken of the woods fungi living on a dead log on Heritage Conservancy preserved land (Photo by Sebastian Harris). All trees have a life expectancy. In Pennsylvania, some trees (like…
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Regrowth and Reforestation: Replacing Ash Trees
Each ash species has leaves that generally turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. Once a thriving component of PA forests, the ash tree genus (Fraxinus) has hit hard times…
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Two Turtles for World Wetlands Day
Two native species of the turtle variety that are often found around or within wetlands. Wetlands come in a variety of types. Some are found along the coast, such as…
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Historic Aldie Mansion
85 Old Dublin Pike
Doylestown, PA 18901
