Flowering dogwood trees are a common sight in April. The large white flowers really stand out along woodland edges. But did you know that those white petals are not flowers? The white part of the dogwood blossom is a flower bract. They are special leaves that protect the flower. Take a closer look at the… Continue reading A Closer Look at Flowering Dogwood
Month: April 2025
Crossvine
What a stunning display of crossvine! This native vine usually grows up high in the trees where it can get a lot of sunlight, but this one is at eye level. You can find it on the Hatcher Creek Greenway today.
Field Report- April 23, 2025
Are you keeping up with all of the changes outside? Here’s a list of new plants blooming in the last two weeks:
Field Report- April 7, 2025
My field report is: Get outside and see what’s happening! Every time I go out for a walk, I can only take a few steps before I see a new plant in bloom! Things are changing so fast right now, I can’t keep up. Here’s a list of what I’ve seen so far this April:… Continue reading Field Report- April 7, 2025
Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
Every fall, monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) fly all the way to Mexico to spend the winter. As the temperatures warm in the spring, the monarchs travel north again. I had heard this story many times, but I never really looked into the details. Monarch butterflies typically only live for a month. They eat, they mate,… Continue reading Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
North Carolina Science Festival
Have you heard about the North Carolina Science Festival? It is a statewide celebration of science for the entire month of April. This year, there are over 500 events happening in all corners of North Carolina. The theme is Science Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone. You can attend a star party, go on a scavenger hunt in… Continue reading North Carolina Science Festival
Quiet Nature- April 3, 2025
I thought this scene was rather pretty. The pink fringe bushes alternating with the evergreen trees and bushes, lining a pond half covered with pine pollen. This is spring in North Carolina.
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? May 2025
Here are some of the highlights of the flowers that will bloom in May: There are so many flowers that start to bloom in May, so be sure to check the May flower page for a more complete list.
What’s That? April 15, 2025
What’s that? This black bug with orange patches, a line of white spots, and white spikes on its back is the larva of an Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). Asian lady beetles look similar to our native lady bugs (Coccinella septempunctata). Asian lady beetles usually have larger patches of white on their head, the number… Continue reading What’s That? April 15, 2025