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.
Blogs
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.
Kudzu
You’ve probably seen kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) along a highway roadside. This invasive, twining vine can grow up to 100 feet tall, and takes over everything. I’ve read that it can take down utility poles. Today was the first time I had a chance to get up close to kudzu. It is beginning to… Continue reading Kudzu
A Smile for Your Monday
I spotted my first ditch-daisy (midwestern tickseed-sunflower) of the season today. They always make me smile. Happy Monday!
Quiet Nature- August 14, 2025
Enjoy some quiet nature today with this double-banded scoliid wasp (Scolia bicincta) on common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).
Field Report- August 11, 2025
I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the trails a little more, now that the extreme heat is behind us! What has been blooming during the first half of August?