Site Discussions

superb essay
thanks

RE; Tussock Cotton Grass.  One of my favorite places to view cotton grass is close to home, Mt. Cardigan. On the lesser peak, Fire screw.  in Alpine boggy areas that collect water from passing storms. These areas are usually wind swept and shallow. It is a joy to see cotton survivorsgrass, in seed up there. They rarely grow more than 6” in height, and are tenaciouse survivors in an unforgiving landscape.

Thanks for the great info. It answered many of my questions.

Jessica,
Thank you for all the you did for us as our Service Forester in Allegheny County. You certainly made a difference at Beckett Run Woodlands. Congratulations on your 2026 DCNR award!
Janet & Rául

I caught what looked like a mouse with soft gray fur a 2” tail and lacking eyes.  Was this some kind of shrew or a very small mole? 

Thank you for a thoughtful and easily understandable synopsis of our current woodlands. I will save your article and pass it to others for their education.
I worked for 30 plus years doing natural area restoration. Hard and challenging work but so rewarding until the invasives took over. If only people could see through our eyes what we used to see … 
Thank you

This weekly update is such a time- and place-specific treat. Thank you.  Happy to know that the beautiful call I heard in early morning woods was likely a Hermit Thrush. Your detail on ephemerals from Hepatica to Wild Oats have enriched so many walks.

I just heard my first hermit thrush songs of the year on Wednesday here on Deer Isle. It’s my favorite and brings back reminders of those pleasurable hours of youth spent exploring nearby woods.

Mystery solved (I think).  As I pulled into my driveway, a stopped and looked down at a slate grey backed small-to-medium hawk finishing off the last morsels of one of the Mourning Doves that like my driveway to collect sand for their crops.  That hawk gave me a look!
Today I have been looking a photos for the large hawk that swooped by my office window almost surely trying for one of the rabbits that have found some spring grass they like. This hawk swooped by, did a flight maneuver like a crop dusting airplane, and made a pass that gave me a great close-up.  Light tan, very spotted back and breast. 
This AM he did another low level fly-by but he did not find a meal.  Any suggestions?

Thank you for this information Declan ! I will look for this beetle .

I had the pleasure of meeting Ernest while checking on my camp into Holeb Township   and I’m better for it !!!!  Very helpful and very knowledgeable from beautiful downtown Parlin pond Good health always never weaken

While I love our winter home in Tucson, I miss all these spring happenings.  I have many fond memories of being awakened by those turkey displays that took place in our back field on those April mornings- practically beneath my bedroom window.  This makes me want to hurry our May return! Thanks for the reporting.

Thank you for the info about how the flowers of bloodroot avoid self-pollination. This is the first Spring flower where I am in central NY.  I think I have read that this flower also generates heat, to help the flies and bees that pollinate it, make their visits, but I am not sure about this.

I’m echo’ing Dale’s comment - any possibility for volunteers to help collect and distribute seeds? Also, any updates on this story? Did any of the seeds make it to saplings?

We paddle the flooded forests in Leicester at Otter Creek and Leicester River!  It’s an east put in and wild fowl is incredible

Ernest is not only hugely intelligent and able. But also an admirable human being. I speak as a long term board director at DLLT.

Thanks Ernest for taking the time to write this descriptive autobiography. I was taking a rare midday break to nibble on my lunch and catch up on work email . . . but when I saw Northern Woodlands newsletter pop in, I focused my attention on opening it and enjoying myself. Sure enough, off I went to Maine to follow you through the decades of your life. Thanks for that!

I started a small outdoor store in NY’s Catskill Mountains in 2005 and, as I approach my 72nd year, I am still enjoying and learning new things each and every day. I’m so glad you do too!  Cheers,
Lisa

Ernest has been a close family friend for decades, and is being very humble in the tale of his exploits in Down East Maine. He has down played the effects that his church has had on the local youth, the firewood program for less fortunate families and his and Ellen’s many hours spent as hospice volunteers.

Not to mention his prowess and love of Brook Trout fishing along with traveling countless miles to support local athletes at the many sports venues across Washington County on many a cold Winter night.

Well done Ernest, enjoy retirement the way you see fit, as I am sure Ellen will only truly understand.

Very nice piece. A life well lived.

This is a nice reminder of the history in our landscapes. Readers can find a free downloadable publication on stonewalls and cellar holes, a product of the Vermont Forest Stewardship Program. It is applicable to upstate New York and other states in New England.