Chicken mushrooms are abundant and succulent this year. I initially thought the Red Eft was enjoying the mushroom.
According to two people, the salamander is enjoying the insects (possibly Springtails) who are enjoying this mushroom.
I was fortunate to accompany Dianna Smith for a trek to plan the NEMF foray which will take place in late September 2010. If conditions are anything like this next year, the event will be a huge success.
Presenting nature programs to the public can be challenging, but my most recent experience at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum was a total joy.
Every adult attendee was male, most with toddlers, and school-aged sons and daughters; one dad carried his year-old infant in a 21st Century papoose.
The children noticed the lobes of the white oak leaves and the points of the red oak leaves. They were fascinated with the grubs that emerged from the acorns we gathered for display. Everyone shared the music of acorn cap whistles.
At a time when it’s easy to despair about climate change, habitat destruction and general apathy toward the natural world, I got a glimpse into the lives of some young families that affirm my values.
Male bees don’t have stingers. That’s just one of the things wrong with this animated film.
I’m clueless at the decision-making that lead to this bizarre script. Are men in our culture so insecure that they have to depart from the way real bees live?
It wouldn’t be such a big deal, except bees are at risk. There are several theories as to why this is happening. The bottom line is that bees pollinate many of the plants that we depend on for food.
Despite Hollywood’s history of nature bloopers, nothing changes. (more…)
Tags: Climate Change, Survival
I love wild apples. These were probably planted and then left to go wild. They are crisp, tart and taste like autumn to me.
I love early morning hikes, before the day gets busy. It’s a privilege to watch a spider weave a web.
Tags: Climate Change, Hiking, Insects, Video
Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity. (more…)
Tags: Flowers, Hiking, Insects, Journal, Mammals, Reptiles
The workshops I attended at this event gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from dedicated naturalists.
Beyond the workshops, there were hands-on opportunities to learn trail-building skills, hikes, excursions to area events, vendors, book signings, and the most patient and helpful support staff anywhere.
I got pointers on nature photography, hanging my hammock, carrying less weight in my pack and fitting my hiking boots. I got a taste of fly fishing, archaeology, and political advocacy.
I really enjoyed spending a few days surrounded by like-minded people wearing cargo pants and hiking boots. The fact that people are willing to travel from Ohio, Indiana, Florida and every state on the AT, gives me hope that we can keep the planet from becoming entirely paved over.
It takes a great deal of cooperation – and just the right combination of vision and attention to detail – to host an event like this. The New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Ramapo College and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are amazing. (more…)
Tags: Hiking, Insects, Journal, Political
The days are still getting longer, making it easier for animals to get around. Here’s who was out and about this morning:
This porcupine is aware I’m watching. Porcupines cannot “throw” their quills. Quills penetrate the skin of animals that touch them.
Tags: Hiking, Insects, Mammals, Reptiles
I love to hike, but sometimes it’s just too hot and humid to move.
One way to practice nature observation skills is to choose a patch of lawn, forest floor, or even the trunk of a tree in deep woods, and study it closely. The list of what you need is short. There’s no end to what you might observe, but I’ve listed a few things you might look for while exploring the natural world. This technique works just fine if you have access to other habitats including wetlands, tide pools, gardens and transition areas.
This is a really good activity if you have ten minutes or more to explore. (more…)
Tags: Birds, Flowers, Insects, Nature Curriculum, Tracks
Warm summer nights are one of the best times to enjoy nature.
All you need is a flashlight, the ability to count to 20 and access to a yard for an evening of fun.
Go out to a lawn or grassy open area after dark. Watch the firefly flash. Count two seconds and then shine your flashlight for one second.
How close or far do you have to be to attract a firefly?
What other animals can you hear or see on a warm summer night?
Tags: Insects, Nature Curriculum, Tracks