Cedar Berries
Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana Walking along the edges of the prairie today Lorna pointed out that the cedar trees have a lot of berries this year. I’m surprised to … Continued
Cattail Leaves
Cattail, Typha latifolia The simple pattern created by these cattail leaves caught my eye. Cattails are a native plant that can be found on the edges of many ponds at … Continued
Northern Goshawk
Northern Goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus A falconer let me get in close to the bird he was training at the PGT. That let me get a good look at the face … Continued
Indian Grass
Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutans Prairie grasses can create subtle but appealing patterns. Look closely at this on and you’ll see a grasshopper on the bottom right.
Beaver Lake
The prairie surrounding Beaver Lake This is prairie above Beaver Lake at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT). It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the visitor center. You should schedule a … Continued
Aromatic Sumac
Aromatic Sumac, Rhus aromatica This native shrub can have the best fall color. Yesterday I found a good patch along the sidewalk going to Beaver Lake.
Maximilian Sunflower
Maximilian Sunflower, Helianthus maximiliani These bright yellow wildflowers have just started to appear on tall stalks. I found a bunch of them near our mailbox that’s 8-feet tall. That’s not … Continued
Checkered Skipper
Checkered Skipper, Pyrgus communis This butterfly is known as a Checkered Skipper and it’s feeding on a New England Aster. Asters are an important fall nectar source for many kinds … Continued
Sassafras Leaves
Sassafras, Sassafras albidum This week I’m seeing some early fall color on a small native tree. At the PGT you are most likely to find Sassafras trees growing in small … Continued
Smooth Sumac
Smooth Sumac, Rhus glabra Fall starts tomorrow, but it will be 3 or 4 weeks before there’s good color in the woods. However, pockets of good color can be found … Continued