Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

American Witchhazel

One of the last flowering shrubs of the year, American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a hiker's delight when spotted late in the fall. Native to both the northeastern and southeastern parts of the U.S., their fragrant bright yellow blossoms appear late in the autumn after all the leaves have … [Read more...]

Cogs and Wheels & the Nature of Oaks

I attended the tour of Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter member Jim LaLuzerne's yard. He concluded by making this observation. Have You Lost Your Cogs and Wheels? “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”  –  Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac. But when all the … [Read more...]

Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

I love the fall season. I love to watch the change in color of the warm-season native plants -- forbs, grasses, trees, and shrubs. I've always known the change in color had something to do with the chlorophyll in the plants, but I thought it was about time I learned what happens to create the … [Read more...]

WOFVA Chapter Plant Sale Orders Due March 31, 2021

Are you starting to get excited about spring and getting out in your yard? Digging in the dirt? Planting new plants, trees, and shrubs? Are you asking yourself what you can do for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators? Then you should know about the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter’s annual … [Read more...]

2019 Fall Colors

Reference my post Why the Colors of Fall. This year here in East Central Wisconsin one can really see a difference in the colors of fall. The wet year we've had has produced variations in leaf color and the recent mild temperatures have slowed the change. But if you look closely, here and there … [Read more...]

NASA GLOBE Observer App

NASA would like your help in measuring the Earth's trees using the NASA GLOBE Observer app on your smart phone. In September 2018, NASA launched an instrument, via the ICESat-2 satellite, called ATLAS which measures many ecological surfaces to determine the health of the world's resources. This … [Read more...]