Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

2019 Monarch Conservation Webinar Series

We are excited to announce the topics for the 2019 Monarch Conservation Webinar Series! The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is again partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center to put on another year full of informative and inspiring webinars on all things … [Read more...]

Overwintering Numbers for Eastern Monarch Migration Up

We received some wonderful news from Monarch Joint Venture this past week. Monarch overwintering numbers for 2018-2019 are up 144% from last year. This is the highest number Mexico has recorded since 2007. But while we are allowed to be excited because of the fantastic results of the Monarchs' … [Read more...]

Non-Native Plants reduce Food availability for Birds

Doug Tallamy, Desiree Narango and Peter Marra* have provided more definitive data about the importance of native trees and shrubs for the livelihood of insect-eating birds. In this case, their research focused primarily on the Caroline Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis). In their report Nonnative … [Read more...]

Grasslands and Pollinators

The 2017 America’s Grasslands Conference Proceedings are now available. Fairly technical in its approach to what's new and what's ongoing in grasslands research, I found Section 5. "Grasslands and Pollinators" the most relatable. (Pgs 53 - 58) Besides the typical updates on the status of pollinators … [Read more...]

Last Monarch of the Season

According to my phenology records, this year was the latest we've seen a Monarch butterfly in our yard; September 24, 2018. It was a hot, humid summer going right into Labor Day, so I guess I'm not surprised. I hope she makes it to Mexico okay. See also the Yellows of a Late Prairie and More … [Read more...]

Rights-of-Way as Habitat: Updates and Announcements

Iris Caldwell sent a number of announcements to share for the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group.  Read on: We are feeling right at home at our NEW WEBSITE! It contains all of the same great information as before but now presented more beautifully and on an easier-to-navigate platform. … [Read more...]