Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

When Dead Doesn’t Mean Dead

by Lawanda Jungwirth A dead tree is never entirely dead even though it may seem that way at first glance. Observe a dead tree for a while, and you will see that it is teeming with life. The healthiest, most biologically diverse forests have a good share of dead trees, broken tops, and downed logs … [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...]

It’s Time to Reauthorize Wisconsin’s Stewardship Program

In 1989, Governor Tommy Thompson and the Wisconsin legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Normally, the Stewardship Program is on a … [Read more...]

Bird/Pollinator-Friendly Garden

As cold as it has been, the birds have nowhere to go other than to hunker down in the bushes and leaf piles. Just sparrows – this was a result of my bird count. In general, bird are nature's messengers. As populations of birds change, those fluctuations may indicate shifts in pollution levels, … [Read more...]

American Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

While visiting Mandy Ploch's cabin recently, I noticed the American Witchhazel was blossomed out two weeks ahead of time. I looked again the following weekend, and the plant was just about blooming. A couple of days to go, just when it was supposed be. Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) One of the … [Read more...]

Forest Fire causes Fungi to Grow

With all the forest fires rampaging through the drought-stricken areas of the USA and Canada, there appears to be at least one other glimmer of goodness that comes from all this damage. I think we're all familiar with the Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) from western USA, which requires fire to melt … [Read more...]