Enjoy some quiet nature today with this male ebony jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata).
Blogs
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
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
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
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!
Luna Moth Sighting
It’s always exciting to find a luna moth (Actias luna)! This was the first sighting this year.
Observations for the 2026 City Nature Challenge
Were you able to get outside this weekend for the City Nature Challenge? I wasn’t able to get out as much as I wanted to, so I decided that this year I would try to get different observations than last year. I thought it would be fun to share some of them as a collage.… Continue reading Observations for the 2026 City Nature Challenge
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? May 2026
At the end of April 2026, we are under an extreme drought in Morrisville, NC. I’ve been looking at my notes from previous years and comparing them to what I’m seeing this year. The lack of water is definitely noticeable. The ground is dry and dusty. Some plants don’t seem to care, while others are… Continue reading What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? May 2026
City Nature Challenge 2026
The City Nature Challenge is happening this weekend: April 24-27, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in a citizen science project. All you have to do is go outside and record nature! You do not need to know what the observation is. Just take pictures of what you see. Any observation logged on… Continue reading City Nature Challenge 2026