Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

25th Anniversary of THWN

Registration is now open! Mark your calendars and join the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter for their 25th Anniversary Conference Celebration with special keynote speaker, Doug Tallamy, PhD, nationally recognized environmental speaker and award-winning author. Nature's Best Hope – Keynote … [Read more...]

Burning My Prairie

I'm looking forward to burning a fourth of my prairie this November. It's almost ten years since I've burned my prairie, and now is the time, since it's too wet in the spring. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) land managers consider prescribed burns their most … [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...]

Finally, the THWN 25th Anniversary Conference

Finally, after two years, mark your calendars and join the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter for their 25th Anniversary Conference Celebration with special keynote speaker, Douglas Tallamy, PhD, nationally recognized environmental speaker and award-winning author. Douglas W. Tallamy -  Keynote … [Read more...]

Snapping Turtle

Today, as I approached the stop sign at the edge of my street, I saw a snapping turtle attempting to cross the street. I immediately stopped the car. Getting out of my car, I was sure the turtle was dead. But no, it was only teasing. I went back to the car and put on John's gloves. It was a sturdy … [Read more...]