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...]

Burning Followup

After reading my Burning my Prairie blog post, Toni Stahl asked me: “This is good information to save the grassland birds. How do you do a prescribed burn? Do you hire someone? How do you find them?” Here is my response: If you’re looking for a good primer on how to conduct a small prairie fire, … [Read more...]

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...]