One summer, I took a nature drawing class, and we hiked up Vermont’s Stowe Pinnacle to sketch in the cool, mountain forest. I chose to draw a big yellow birch that had established itself on the steep slope. For a couple of hours, I stared at the base of the tree, trying to capture its intricate detail: the way the trunk leaned to the right and its large, supporting roots spread over the ground; the variable colors, patterns, and textures of its bark; a hole at the base that might be home to a mouse or chipmunk. I wondered how old the tree was and what it had witnessed in its lifetime from its perch on the mountainside. [Read more…] about Lifeways of the Yellow Birch
Nature
New York’s Raccoons in Spring
Often, during my forays into the woods behind our house, I wonder who might be occupying the holes carved into tree trunks by time and nature.
The barred owls I hear hoo-hoo-hoo-hooing, maybe, or the chittering red squirrels. And, chances are, there are raccoons in some of those hollows, high above the ground. [Read more…] about New York’s Raccoons in Spring
Red Foxes Are Denning
As leaves erupt from their buds on hardwood trees, which will cloak all of New York terrain again in green, red fox pups venture from their dens and begin to experience our vast, lush spring landscape. [Read more…] about Red Foxes Are Denning
Brown Creepers Are Everywhere, If You Can See Them
On certain afternoons, if I time it just right, I may spot a brown creeper (Certhia americana) on the trunk of a tree in my front yard. Moving stealthily, almost imperceptibly up the tree, the brown creeper hunts for food amongst the bark. I watch this avian mission with a sense of appreciation, as the bird flies to other trees to repeat the process. [Read more…] about Brown Creepers Are Everywhere, If You Can See Them
State Offering ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Grants To Landowners
The regeneration of New York’s forests is dependent on the successful establishment and survival of tree seedlings. Over the past several decades, the ability of New York’s forests to regenerate has been diminished due to widespread damage caused by white-tailed deer, excessive competition from native and non-native vegetation, and the impacts of climate change. [Read more…] about State Offering ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Grants To Landowners
Try Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas
Scientific studies show that time outside in nature significantly reduces stress and anxiety; lowers blood pressure; improves mood, energy, and sleep; and boosts the immune system.
There are several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where people with disabilities will find universally accessible features. [Read more…] about Try Accessible Recreation at Wildlife Management Areas
Northern New York Seed-Savers, Meaningful Seeds Sought
Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) has announced the Grow and Tell Project, in partnership with the littleGrasse Community Farm, as part of their Folk to Table traditional foodways project. [Read more…] about Northern New York Seed-Savers, Meaningful Seeds Sought
A Porcupine’s Salt Cravings
When I was growing up, my family rented a vacation home on a mountain in southern Vermont. One night we were awakened by our dogs barking. Soon we heard a persistent gnawing on the outside of the house. My Dad went to investigate. His flashlight beam revealed a large porcupine with black, beady eyes. My father scared it away, but it returned other nights. [Read more…] about A Porcupine’s Salt Cravings
Impacts & Potential of State Green Amendments
The Rockefeller Institute of Government has announced “The Impacts and Potential of State Green Amendments,” a virtual presentation by spring 2021 undergraduate research interns from the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s Center for Law & Policy Solutions set for Friday, May 14th. [Read more…] about Impacts & Potential of State Green Amendments
Help Sought to Solve Eagle Shooting Case
On April 3rd, NYS Environmental Conservation Officer’s (ECO) received a complaint about an unknown individual shooting a duck or goose. ECO McCormick responded, and upon investigation, determined the shot bird was a bald eagle. [Read more…] about Help Sought to Solve Eagle Shooting Case