Fireflies

Fireflies are one of the many magical parts of summer – the polka-dots of light blinking in the darkness on a warm night. There are approximately 2,000 species of fireflies around the world (150 of them in North America). Some … Continue reading →

Caddis Flies

Fisherman probably already know how cool caddis fly larvae are, but I didn’t! At an amazing high mountain lake the other day, I saw strange critters moving around on the rocks in the clear water. I hung out over the … Continue reading →

Marmots

There is a lot to see and do in Colorado’s high country and for that I am eternally grateful. One of my all-time personal favorites is a hike to an alpine lake in the summertime. On those lucky days, I … Continue reading →

Cicadas

Cicadas – they are loud, and this year in many Atlantic states, there will be a lot of them (up to 1.5 million in an acre!). They spend most of their lives underground and when they do emerge, they must … Continue reading →

World Oceans Day

Today is world oceans day – a day to pause, to celebrate Earth’s oceans, and remember how important it is to protect them.  A few facts: Life on Earth began in the ocean. The oceans cover 70% of the planet. … Continue reading →

The Wood Wide Web

Did you know that trees in a healthy forest are all connected? They are! Below the forest floor lies an extensive, complex network of hair-like fungus threads called mycelium that connects trees. Fungus! The millions of pathways in this fungal … Continue reading →

Fungi

When you hear the word “fungi” you probably think “mushrooms.” Yet it also includes molds, yeasts, and toadstools – any number of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter of which there are approximately 1.5 million different species. They are … Continue reading →

Biodiversity Day

This Friday is the International Day for Biological Diversity. It is a day to celebrate the amazing diversity of life on Earth. It is also a day to raise awareness of biodiversity loss, as scientists estimate that 25% of plants … Continue reading →

Woodpeckers

We usually hear woodpeckers before we see them – the rapid peck, peck, pecking on a tree or utility pole or house. Lately I’ve heard a lot of woodpeckers (ah, spring!) and I always stop to see if I can … Continue reading →

Dandelions

‘Tis the season: the birds are singing, the days are longer and warmer, and flowers bloom. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses get most of the attention, but I happen to favor dandelions. They are like the underdog of the flower world. … Continue reading →