This week I explain about the environmental impacts of coffee production and how shade-grown coffee is an important sustainable practice that conserves critical rainforest habitat for our wild birds, especially our migratory songbirds. I discuss the Smithsonian Institute's Bird Friendly...
This week I share the Tree of Life (Southern Live Oak '1692'), a wonderful example of southern or coastal live oak (Quercus virginiana) growing in Audubon Park in New Orleans, LA. Marvel at its enormous spreading crown filled with Spanish...
This week I share how to plan for native plantings during the fall and winter months. Using my neighbor's native planting project as an example, we cover goal setting, site assessment, choosing a planting approach, plant selection and calculations, dormant...
This week I discuss a common invasive shrub species, autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). Learn about this species' harmful environmental impacts, how to readily identify it year-round, how to control it, and what native shrub species are available to plant in its...
This week I share a wildlife habitat improvement project that reuses woody materials from storm damage to create brush piles in a residential woodland. Learn why this type of wildlife shelter is important and how to construct one on your...
This week I share a fun fall slideshow of two dozen native plants showing off their fabulous fall colors! Enjoy this feast for the eyes and think about how you could add these native species to your landscapes, adding a...
This week I interview Dr. Tim Fredricks in his own backyard wildlife habitat in Saint Charles, Missouri. He generously shares his thoughts on why planting native vegetation is important, how to responsibly utilize pesticides only as needed in home habitats,...
This week I visit the Dow High School Go Green Club's Pollinator Garden in Midland, MI. Club members have worked hard for three growing seasons preparing the site, planting, mulching, and watering, with great results! We hope you will be...
This week I share one of my favorite places to visit in the fall, Tahquamenon Falls State Park. With breathtaking views of the "Root Beer Falls" and the sandstone formations that create them, I discuss the geology and ecology of...
