Site Discussions
I have had gold digger wasps nest near one of my flower beds. These wasps are huge and admittedly can be a little intimidating if you’re not a lover of insects. However, I decided to read up on them and I’m glad I did. I have found them to be very non-threatening when I’m working in my yard I have never been stung or attacked by one. I have problems with cicadas and knowing these wasps will help reduce the amount of cicadas is very beneficial. The digger wasps and I live happily together. Understanding their presence and behavior in my environment has reduced my fear of wasps.
From "The Benefits and Misconceptions of Digger Wasps" »
Thank you for talking with Rocci. I think a lot of people make assumptions about individuals and entities that do work around the environment and land access. Rocci is a great example that they love the land and the advocacy they do is not to deny access, it is to safeguard the future of the land and all it offers to the people.
From "An Advocate for the Adirondacks: Raul “Rocci” Aguirre" »
Thank you for this lovely little article. It’s reached me almost ten years after original publication as I’m doing some internet research in hopes of identifying a salamander I met while watering in my backyard - outside of Seattle, WA.
From "Salamander Party Tricks" »
I know what the author meant, but “fish and birds have high rates of admixture and hybridization” gave me pause for a second.
From "Canis soupus: The Curious Case of Eastern Canines" »
I recall writing a report on the Eastern coyote when I was a Freshman in high school - way back in the 80’s. When I interviewed Fish and Wildlife staff then, I was told there was no such thing as a coy dog, and that coyotes and dogs did not and could not interbreed! Ah, how knowledge changes things! I’m glad DNA testing proved these amazing animals are truly a hybrid.
From "Canis soupus: The Curious Case of Eastern Canines" »
I think this article plays into the concept that open grasslands are a new thing in the Eastern USA. In fact, the dense forest cover encountered by European settlers and explorers was something of a historical anomaly. Before contact and epidemics decimated the population, Native Americans managed a lot the land with fire, and it seems likely that cowbirds were a part of that landscape. So their recent range expansion may be a return to their historic haunts rather than something new.
From "How Do Cowbirds Learn To Be Cowbirds?" »
We were thrilled to find a population of these crustaceans in our very small pond on our property. We do think, however, that they are non-native rusty crayfish. The raccoon population seems not to mind, however!
From "Tiny Predators, Big Impact: Northeastern Crayfish" »
We were thrilled to find a population of these crustaceans in our very small pond on our property. We do think, however, that they are non-native rusty crayfish. The raccoon population seems not to mind, however!
From "Tiny Predators, Big Impact: Northeastern Crayfish" »
Thank you for this wonderful story. So much great natural and human history in the woods down your way.
From "The Snapping Turtle" »
Thank you for this wonderful story. So much great natural and human history in the woods down your way.
From "The Snapping Turtle" »
Doug is one of my favorite heroes, in the garden, or our painting outdoors. I’ve seen and heard his many masterful talks. Thank you for bringing Doug to the attention for his profound contributions to our society at large and for those who do not know him, he is a tremendous educational and conservation gift.
From "Backyard Biodiversity with Doug Tallamy" »
Doug is one of my favorite heroes, in the garden, or our painting outdoors. I’ve seen and heard his many masterful talks. Thank you for bringing Doug to the attention for his profound contributions to our society at large and for those who do not know him, he is a tremendous educational and conservation gift.
From "Backyard Biodiversity with Doug Tallamy" »
I love this! This message is important. I’m trying to do this in my yard, invasive plants are a constant battle. Restoring backyards with native plants is my effort.
From "Backyard Biodiversity with Doug Tallamy" »
Enjoyed your recent article on sturgeon in Northern Woodlands. You likely already know that they’ve been breaching in the Androscoggin River for the last few years providing wonder-filled entertainment for those of us who dine from time-to-time overlooking the river at Sea Dog Brewing in Topsham. Yesterday was no exception!! Born in 1947 in a mill town a few miles up river when it was a dead, extremely polluted body of water, I never would have believed that, in my lifetime, it could come back to life, though there’s more work to be done.
From "Spring’s Late Riser: The Meadow Jumping Mouse" »
Thoughtful recounting of the personal and professional evolution of a natural scientist. Thank you!
From "Backyard Biodiversity with Doug Tallamy" »
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.
From "A Champion of Bogs and Alpine Areas: Tussock Cottongrass" »
Thanks for the great info. It answered many of my questions.
From "The Wild Turkey Nest" »
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
From "Brown Thrashers Skulk Through Thickets" »