WriterByNature.com

April 11, 2008 7:48 pm

Pictures say more than words when it comes to winter giving way to spring in the Shawangunks. I hiked the recently saved ridge yesterday, lucky to enjoy the best weather we’ve had in weeks.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L) blooms and sends out leaves later.

Yup, that’s snow under the hemlocks. This photo was taken about 90 minutes after the coltsfoot photo was taken on April 10, 2008. (more…)

March 26, 2008 7:02 am

The white-throated sparrow sings at 6:42 AM EST. I heard it for the first time two days ago. I couldn’t believe my ears. It’s warm enough this morning to leave the window open. I believe the sparrow is in my rhododendron. If I move, it will spook him. Cardinal just called. It’s 40-degrees F and cloudy, with rain on the way.

I can hear the mourning dove and see the silhouettes of the breakfast crowd land on pine branches. I usually write with pen and notebook standing at the window.

Here’s what else I see: (more…)

February 17, 2008 7:00 am

I’m lucky to learn from people who have been teaching for many years. They have a fine-tuned presentation that I find inspiring. They also know which books and which online sites provide the greatest value in keeping up with the continuous stream of new mycological information. That’s a huge time saver.

Once again, I am in awe of Gary Lincoff and deeply grateful he shared Michael Kuo’s MushroomExpert.com website. Michael writes:

Mushrooms and trees are inextricably linked. Most trees cannot survive without mycorrhizal partners from the fungal world–and saprobic fungi play a vital role in forest ecosystems, decomposing tree litter. Thus identifying trees is essential to understanding and identifying mushrooms.

Mycorrhizal means mutually-beneficial and saprobic means decomposing dead organic matter. My language skills are also getting a workout.

Everything in nature is connected. But I’m always amazed when I see it on such a macro level. (more…)

January 30, 2008 6:29 pm

Barry Keegan told me that, prior to the Civil War, people kept their toothbrushes in cups of charcoal powder. Barry suggested I give his recipe for survival toothpaste a try. It works.

Here’s the recipe: (more…)

January 25, 2008 6:04 am

This happens to be Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis); Black Birch (Betula lenta) tastes sweeter.

In winter, when the sap is not flowing, you can scrape the cambium (the layer between the inner bark and the wood) and steep it or brew it for a delicious beverage. The following recipe is for a winter harvest, when the sap is not flowing and the tree is dormant.

(more…)

January 14, 2008 7:18 am

I’ve experimented with acorns on and off for years. But it was Rose Barlow of Prodigal Gardens who enlightened me on how to create a ground meat effect using acorns.

I used frozen acorns in my recipe. Next season I will put Rose’s acorn roasting technique to the test. (more…)

January 10, 2008 6:52 pm

This is a neat recycling project. Try making new paper from old paper you would otherwise throw away. The results can be surprising.

Many types of paper that can be used include:

1. Computer Paper (unprinted)
2. Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper)
3. Magazines
4. Egg Cartons
5. Old Cards (For heavier paper)
6. Toilet Paper
7. Paper Bags
8. Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water)
9. Office Paper
10. Tissue Paper (For finer paper)
11. Typing Paper
12. Napkins
13. Construction Paper (more…)

December 29, 2007 5:46 am

I was reading my survival skill class notes. I haven’t looked at these in a number of years.

I’m impressed with the complete explanations and careful drawings. I just modified my pine needle tea recipe. The needles nearer the trunk are higher in Vitamin C than needles on outer branches.  (more…)

December 24, 2007 5:35 am

Now, that’s a really green idea. I wish the Original Living Christmas Tree company had offices in every community in the country.

I love the idea of the tree. I hate the slaughter. This makes sense. They grow the tree and deliver it to you for the holiday. You decorate and care for the tree.

If you want keep the tree and plant it yourself, fine. If not, they collect the rented trees and ultimately plant them in open spaces.

This perfect solution to celebrating with a tree and greening the earth - all part of a holy season - is enough to make me stop saying, “Bah, humbug.”

May your next Christmas tree thrive and grow.

December 21, 2007 6:08 am

The shortest day of the year is not only the darkest, but often the coldest day. Here are some ways to celebrate the fact that after December 22, 2007 at 6:08 AM GMT, the days will start getting longer: (more…)