We’ve had a long stretch of warm weather, and now we’re tripping over flowers everywhere we go! In just the last week, I have seen: Yesterday (March 11, 2026) was 89 degrees. The high temperatures have brought out the snakes and lizards. In one half mile stretch, I saw an eastern kingsnake, a black rat… Continue reading Field Report- March 12, 2026
Blogs
A Late Winter Walk at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
We took a walk through the North Carolina Botanical Garden this weekend. Although it is far from the peak spring bloom, there was plenty to see on this late winter afternoon. Little Sweet Betsy trillium, dimpled trout lily and bloodroot were putting on quite a show. Sharp-lobed and round-lobed hepatica were beginning to bloom. Rue… Continue reading A Late Winter Walk at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
Field Report- March 4, 2026
The flowers are really starting to bloom now! These are the new flowers that I have seen in the last few days: It seems like every day there is a new plant in bloom. What are you seeing?
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? March 2026
We had a stretch of warm days between February 16th to the 21st, and that jump started the flowers into bloom. With those few warm days, we finally saw the cherry trees and star magnolias open their flower buds. You might have noticed more green on the ground, too. Our early spring flowers are leafing… Continue reading What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? March 2026
Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossoms are here! Star magnolias are also blooming this week.
Red-Winged Blackbirds
Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are a common sight around wetlands. In the summer, you might see one or two near a small retention pond in your neighborhood. Once you know their song, you can’t miss them. This winter, I have had three occasions where an entire flock of red-winged blackbirds was hanging out on the… Continue reading Red-Winged Blackbirds
Field Report- February 20, 2026
What’s happening on the trails this week? We’ve had some rain and some warmer temperatures for the last few days. The trees and plants are waking up and changing quickly. There aren’t too many flowers out there yet. I’m still seeing henbit, hairy bittercress, common chickweed, common groundsel and dandelions. Leatherleaf mahonia is in full… Continue reading Field Report- February 20, 2026
Bald Eagle Sighting
We had quite a surprise yesterday at Umstead State Park. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was gathering some brush for its nest as we walked by Reedy Creek Lake. We noticed it when it took off from across the lake. Luckily, it landed on a tree for a brief moment. It was just long enough… Continue reading Bald Eagle Sighting
Safety on the Greenways
What’s happening on the Shiloh Greenway this week? New mile markers! Every 0.1 mile will be marked with a painted star on the pavement. Much like highway mile markers, this will help if there’s an emergency on the trail. First responders will quickly be able to locate the area where they need to be.
The Calming Effect of Admiring Nature
Today is one of the biggest television watching days of the year. Friends and family will gather in each other’s homes, share some food, and watch the Big Game. I read an article this week about being outside in nature. We all know the health benefits of walking. Some believe that being in nature can… Continue reading The Calming Effect of Admiring Nature