This week I showcase a fun field trip I attended as part of the Michigan Wetlands Association Conference and share how to tell the difference between the state special concern Butler's Garter Snake and more commonly encountered Eastern Garter Snake....
This week I share some tips and techniques for responsibly using a butterfly net. Special thanks to Denny Brooks for demonstrating net use, being a citizen scientist, and teaching so many people about monarchs and other flying critters! Resources: Rare...
This week I share an ongoing educational and fundraising event, Miles for Monarchs, hosted by Monarch Joint Venture. This twice yearly event corresponds to the monarch butterfly's amazing spring and fall migrations. Learn how you can participate and log some...
This week you're in for a treat: a tour of a 15 year-old native landscape installation showing off its late summer glory. I hope seeing such a beautiful and ecologically functional native landscape inspires you to plan and plant some...
This week I share a lovely late season pollinator supporter, common boneset (aka thoroughwort, feverwort; Eupatorium perfoliatum). This perennial wetland wildflower prefers open to part sun sites with average to moist soils. Tolerant of temporary flooding, it makes a great...
This week I discuss an important prairie shrub, leadplant (Amorpha canescens). This deep-rooted nitrogen-fixer is both beautiful and beneficial to our soils, pollinators, other insects, birds, and mammals. Consider adding this summer bloomer to your sunny, well-drained landscapes and enjoy...
Have you ever spotted a giant tree in the woods that you suspected of being an Ent? Wondering how they came to be so much larger than their companion trees? This week I discuss not-so-aptly named wolf trees and describe...
This week I discuss a lesser known invasive species of dry, open habitats, hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana). Learn how this species was introduced, where to look for it, how to identify it, and how to best control it. Since hoary...
This week I share another fantastic wildflower, bee balm or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). This species does well across a variety of site conditions and offers lots of pollinator support, including nectar for our ruby-throated hummingbirds during prime nesting season....
