I understand the maple syrup gatherers got a head start on the season with that really warm spell we had a couple of weeks ago. Although that seems like a good thing, I understand it actually could serve to shorten the season which means there may not be as much maple syrup cooked this year. That … [Read more...]
Native Plant Ordinances
I received a request from Bryan Lenz this week about native plant ordinances that include municipalities in their native landscaping guidelines. So often, communities will pass an ordinance allowing native landscaping or even requiring it for subdivisions and land development, but do not take the … [Read more...]
What’s not to Love about an Oak Savanna?
Wisconsin historian Reuben Gold Thwaites (1853-1913) once wrote that one of the first men who came to this territory wrote that our area had “a scattering of giant oaks with a carpet of wildflowers beneath.” Wildlife like bobwhite quail, native bees, wild turkeys, whippoorwills, redheaded … [Read more...]
Giant Sequoia Falls
Many years ago when John and I were a young married couple, we traveled to California during leave from the US Army. Among many other attractions, including a steam train ride in Felton at Roaring Camp Railroads, we visited the Giant Sequoias or Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum). One of the most … [Read more...]
How Trees Talk to Each Other
About 20 years ago we logged our hunting property. We chose a local logger who was as sustainably-minded as we were. Although he selectively took out the big trees sought after by commercial enterprise, he also left “Mother trees” to help regenerate our forest. I understood the basic concept of the … [Read more...]
American Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
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 Northeastern and Southeastern USA, their fragrant bright yellow blossoms appear late in the autumn after all the leaves have fallen from the … [Read more...]