Blog
Sierra is Scared of Snakes
When we mention snakes could be around during programs at the Nature Center, a lot of people seem to cringe or have a little internal freak-out. This isn’t just the case here, but everywhere I go it seems somebody
A Bucket and a Seed: Meet the Tree Lady!
A story on action-taker, Cindy Kessler. As featured in the October 2022 edition of The Ripple. It was one of those gray late-winter mornings when I hurried into my local coffee shop and noticed the container of
What are Tree Cookies?
By Bob Buring, Naturalist and Nature Ranger What do a violin, a British scientist, and a cookie have in common? Quite a lot if you were trying to authenticate the masterpiece violin handcrafted by Antonio Stradivari
Bumps and Bunches: Goldenrod Galls
By Judy Mouch One of summer’s final colorful swan songs comes from fields of goldenrods (Solidago spp.). Hay fever sufferers, have no fear! Contrary to popular opinion, goldenrods will not stir up your allergies.
The Cute Factor
by Cory Christopher, Director of Conservation I have an uncle who is the hairiest human I’ve ever seen. He’s the meanest and tiniest person in our family, and his eyes are lost beneath a hairy thicket of
Spotlight on Native Plants: Field Thistle
by Jason Neumann, Public Programs Manager Who would intentionally plant thistles in their garden? If you overlook its spikiness, field thistle has a lot to offer. Field thistle, Cirsium discolor, is one
Clones and Caterpillars
by Cory Christopher, Director of Conservation I love pawpaw trees. And it's probably not for the reason you suspect. Among the leaves of this unassuming native tree lives one of my favorite creatures. Hungry and armed