Throughout the year, we can hear the resounding “Rap-tap-tapping” of woodpeckers slamming their chisel-like beaks into the sides of trees, so why might we see more of them in autumn and winter? The primary reason is because there is a lack of foliage to get in the way of our sight! Many of our local …

In the ecotone—a transition area between two habitats—that is the entire region where I live (Southeastern PA), where nature butts up against suburbia, we can expect to have more engagements with wildlife than our city cousins. Some encounters may be welcome, like watching a cottontail rabbit romping past or a bald eagle ascend overhead, while …

Celebrate National Pollinator Month with some all-natural and sustainable crafts, designed specifically for native pollinators!  Below are some ideas that can support butterfly populations, protect declining bee populations, and increase the amount of pollinator-friendly native plants found in your community.  This is part 4 of my “Eco-friendly” & sustainable art projects. Find more projects and …

As part of my spring 2023 “Wildlife Education” course (Masters of Environmental Science through Slippery Rock University), I conducted a survey/questionnaire that was designed to examine the public’s perceptions and attitudes towards a bird feeding; a sometimes-controversial wildlife topic. Many feel strongly about why they should or should not feed wild birds. Below are the …

Summer is here, and many of us love nothing more than a big carton of deep blue-ish purple blueberries! Wherever we can get them from the grocery store, farmers markets, or local community agriculture programs is so exciting, but did you know that blueberries are native to the eastern United States? We can go out …

They may seem ultra-exotic and tropical, however fruit-eating birds do live in North America along the East Coast. In fact, while kayaking along the Delaware River in Philadelphia the other week, I had the incredible opportunity to watch a Baltimore Oriole creating a nest! Not all fruit-eaters are mango or papaya-loving tropical birds. Some are …

Could you imagine a world with no berries or melons? No pumpkins during the fall or chocolate to indulge in? Or what about a world with no coffee in the morning and no flowers to water? Unfortunately, this is most likely the path we are headed on due to the declining population of pollinators. According …

Are you missing gardening and getting your hands in the lovely soil? Fortunately, just in time to stave off the winter blues, is Seed Swap Day! Get your soil, little pots, and seeds ready to trade with a friend (or a stranger!) on the last Saturday in January each year. Why Participate in a Seed …

Did you know that today is America’s National Bird Day? Discover more about the birds you love and how to celebrate this winter season! Winter Bird Adaptations During the cold days of winter, we often worry about the birds that roam outside of our houses, especially because we can’t hear or see them as much. …

Garden Seed Saving

Flowers die back, but not before producing what they are specifically designed to produce – Seeds! This autumn, prepare for your spring and summer garden by harvesting these future plant-makers! Seed Saving is the perfect way to save money in future years, and you also will be able to perpetuate the plants you love the …