Month: May 2026

A New Vocabulary Word

If you start reading about plants you’ll find yourself learning many new vocabulary words. Botanists have so many terms to describe different parts of plants and the environments they grow in. I came across a new word this week that really struck my attention. It perfectly describes most of my experience so far: ruderal. A… Continue reading A New Vocabulary Word

Animal Encounters- Spring 2026

Do you ever look in holes or crevices for plants or animals? These are some critters that I’ve spotted hiding in drain pipes over the last month. Keep your eyes open and stay curious!

Field Report- May 11, 2026

What has been blooming on the trails during the first half of May? Carolina rose, irises, Small’s ragwort, ox-eye daisy, southern magnolia, American persimmon, fleabanes, elderberry, partridge berry, sundrops, Queen Anne’s lace, Himalayan blackberry, heartleaf pickerelweed, beardtongue, false Solomon’s seal, grapes, wild quinine, strawberry bush and poison ivy. I feel like there’s an overwhelming amount… Continue reading Field Report- May 11, 2026

Luna Moth Sighting

It’s always exciting to find a luna moth (Actias luna)! This was the first sighting this year.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Have you ever seen a mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa)? They are found all over North America, Europe and Asia, but are considered uncommon in the Piedmont of North Carolina. This is only the second time I’ve ever seen one. The first time was a few years ago in Zion National Park in Utah. This… Continue reading Mourning Cloak Butterfly

What’s That? May 17, 2026

What’s the orange stuff growing on that log? It’s not the same as the orange mushrooms you sometimes see (Cantharellus). This is a slime mold called wolf’s milk (Lycogala, probably Lycogala epidendrum). I found this on a log one day last week. The next day, I happened to be walking along the same path. The… Continue reading What’s That? May 17, 2026