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
Spicebush Fruit
Spicebush, Lindera benzoin The fruits on Spicebush are beginning to ripen and turn red. They won’t last long, because the birds love them. Spicebush is a native shrub that grows … Continued
Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia More early fall color, this time it’s on one of our native vines. At the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT), you’ll find Virginia Creeper vines near the … Continued
Winged Sumac
Winged Sumac, Rhus copallinum Fall doesn’t officially start until next Saturday, but I’m already starting to see fall color. Sumacs always put on a good display.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly on New England Aster, Danaus plexippus, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Asters have started blooming; just in time for the Monarch butterfly fall migration.