We ventured into the woods today to look at the seed heads of the cranefly orchids, and came across these dried up plants. They look pretty similar to striped wintergreen, but striped wintergreen doesn’t have so many flowers on one stem. With some research at home, we determined that this is pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys). Pinesap… Continue reading Some Plants Depend on Fungus for Nutrients
Blogs
Field Report- September 18, 2025
There is so much to see on the trails in mid-September! Midwestern tickseed-sunflowers are at their peak right now. Goldenrod is approaching its peak bloom. But there are so many more flowers out there right now! Here’s a list of what I’m seeing: What flowers are you seeing?
A Resting Hummingbird
Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) don’t usually sit still for very long. It was a special treat to watch this one today. I snapped a few quick pictures when I first spotted it, thinking that it would be gone in a flash. It stayed on the branch long enough for me to adjust my angle for better… Continue reading A Resting Hummingbird
What’s That? September 10, 2025
What’s happening with that oak tree? Take a closer look and you will see a family of yellownecked caterpillars (Datana ministra) devouring the leaves.
Downy Woodpecker Feather
Have you ever found a feather from a downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)? This is my first sighting. Take some time to enjoy the little things today.
A Second Species of Ragweed
Did you know that there are TWO different ragweed plants? I found a giant ragweed plant (Ambrosia trifida var. trifida) this year. It happened to be growing right next to common or annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). Giant ragweed can grow up to 12 feet tall. The oval leaves are 3-12 inches long. And in case… Continue reading A Second Species of Ragweed
Cary Environmental Symposium- September 2025
The Cary Environmental Symposium is starting today! From September 3 to September 25, there will be lectures and discussions about composting and reducing waste, exploring the tree canopy, Homegrown National Park, and healing the land and people. There is also a workshop on creating a habitat garden. Find more information, register, and purchase tickets on… Continue reading Cary Environmental Symposium- September 2025
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? September 2025
As we wrap up an unusually cool month of August, what flowers can we look forward to seeing in September? The goldenrods and midwestern tickseed-sunflowers are just getting started as I type this on August 29th. In September we’ll see their peak bloom. The purple, yellow and white asters will start to bloom in September.… Continue reading What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? September 2025
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails Enjoying Lantana Flowers
Two female eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies (Papilio glaucus) have been enjoying my lantana (Lantana camara) since the sun hit the flowers more than 7 hours ago.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census- August 22-23, 2025
Get ready for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census! Help scientists study pollinators by counting pollinators in your community on Friday and Saturday, August 22-23, 2025. Enter your data online at the Great Southeast Pollinator Census website.