Site Discussions

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.

I know what the author meant, but “fish and birds have high rates of admixture and hybridization” gave me pause for a second.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Thank you for this wonderful story. So much great natural and human history in the woods down your way.

Thank you for this wonderful story. So much great natural and human history in the woods down your way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thoughtful recounting of the personal and professional evolution of a natural scientist. Thank you!

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.