Spotted Salamanders at the North Carolina Botanical Garden

This week, we visited the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Our intention was to find some spring ephemerals, and we were not disappointed. However, we were not expecting to get a lesson in the life cycle of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). As we crossed the bridge into the Coastal Plain Habitat, we were… Continue reading Spotted Salamanders at the North Carolina Botanical Garden

Spring is Coming

Today, I walked through Carpenter Park and Morrisville Community Park. Officially, spring is still a few weeks away. Not only did it feel like spring today, it looked like spring as well. The flowers are blooming everywhere! This is a Japanese flowering apricot in Carpenter Park. It has been blooming for quite a while already.… Continue reading Spring is Coming

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Categorized as Plants

Stoke’s Aster

Have you ever seen Stoke’s aster (Stokesia laevis)? This aster is native to the coastal plain of South Carolina and Georgia, but is commonly planted in gardens. Bumble bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, and the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. These beautiful blooms can be seen now at the American… Continue reading Stoke’s Aster

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Categorized as Plants

Surprise on the Trail

I came around a bend in the Shiloh Greenway yesterday and was surprised to see a group (a gaggle) of six geese walking up the trail toward me. Of course, the geese are very common around here, and I often see them on the Indian Creek Greenway at the trailhead by the water. When I… Continue reading Surprise on the Trail

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census- August 23-24, 2024

Have you ever participated in a citizen science program? Now is your chance! This Friday and Saturday, August 23-24, 2024, is the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Who is this for? Any resident of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia or Florida. This is a great program for kids! What is the census? The University of Georgia… Continue reading The Great Southeast Pollinator Census- August 23-24, 2024

Tickseed-Sunflowers are in Full Bloom

Have you noticed the beautiful displays of midwestern tickseed-sunflowers lately? The flowers can be found on each of the trails in Morrisville. These are some pictures from the Shiloh Greenway taken on September 15th.

Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids Show

We had the great pleasure to attend the Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids show at the JC Raulston Arboretum last weekend. We enjoyed beautiful displays of orchids, listened to informative talks from orchid experts, and even got to shop for orchids and supplies. The orchid show happens every year at the JC Raulston Arboretum.… Continue reading Triangle Orchid Society’s Fall for Orchids Show