The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has encouraged the public to do a seasonal check-in on trees in their yard or on their street. [Read more…] about Check In On Your Trees This Summer
Wildlife
White Pines at Risk
Our eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), monumental in a number of important ways, is now imperiled throughout much of its range south of the border. Unfortunately, we can expect that to become the case in Canada in the near future. [Read more…] about White Pines at Risk
Sweat Bees: Diminutive and Diverse
As you swat away blackflies this summer, look closely; it may be that not all those flies are flies. Some of them might be tiny sweat bees, members of the Halictidae family, which gets its common name because some species will lick sweat from human skin. [Read more…] about Sweat Bees: Diminutive and Diverse
Social Isolation: Live Long and Prosper Together
I imagine there was a lot more hand-wringing prior to the Covid-19 lockdown in Switzerland as compared to other countries, because since 2008 it has been a federal crime there to isolate social animals. Makes you wonder if Swiss authorities have brought charges against themselves yet, or whether they’re waiting until after the crisis lets up. [Read more…] about Social Isolation: Live Long and Prosper Together
Anglers: Protect Heat-Stressed Trout and Salmon
During the hot days of summer, it is important to remember that trout and salmon experience serious physical stress whenever water temperatures climb above 70° Fahrenheit. [Read more…] about Anglers: Protect Heat-Stressed Trout and Salmon
In The Dirt: Earthworms and Drought
Hit and miss rain showers and scattered thunderstorms have provided much of the precipitation over the New York State during this past month.
This has allowed some locations to maintain an adequate level of soil moisture while causing conditions in other places to become especially dry. [Read more…] about In The Dirt: Earthworms and Drought
Muskrats: Swimming Through Summer
We were touring the neighborhood backroads one summer evening when the kids noticed a sleek movement through a small pond.
At first, we thought it was a beaver, but its smaller size and – once we got a closer look – slender tail revealed this swimmer as a muskrat. It went along its way, and we went along ours, happy to have spotted this wetlands rodent. [Read more…] about Muskrats: Swimming Through Summer
The Strange Lives of Porcupines
North American porcupines are large rodents whose ancestors apparently crossed from Africa to South America on floating trees and logs some 30 million years ago. Their most prominent feature are the approximately 30,000 quills which grow individually everywhere out of the skin musculature, interspersed with bristles, under fur and hair.
The quills help the porcupine defend themselves from attacks by predators. The only quill free areas are the face and underside. [Read more…] about The Strange Lives of Porcupines
Meddling With Nature: The Acclimatization Movement and Central Park Starlings
European starlings are one of the most common bird species in the United States. They are known for their stunning aerial displays (murmerations), but many observers consider them a curse.
Starlings aggressively compete for the nesting places of native birds; they can damage crops (grapes, olives, cherries, grain) and spread disease; they can mess up the environment and be a threat to aviation. The story of invasive starlings is part of a wider narrative that reflects both the ambitions and fears of the Victorian era. [Read more…] about Meddling With Nature: The Acclimatization Movement and Central Park Starlings
Adirondack Wild Center Reopening
The Wild Center has announced that they will begin a phased reopening on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, starting with Wild Walk and outdoor experiences.
As a continued commitment to the health and safety of visitors, staff and the wider community, The Wild Center has implemented limited capacity, enhanced operational procedures and cleaning protocols. [Read more…] about Adirondack Wild Center Reopening