shrubs

Beautiful Buttonbush in Bloom

Beautiful Buttonbush in Bloom

Have you witnessed the beautiful Buttonbush blooms these last few weeks? They embody the wild bounty of mid-summer.

These uniquely geometric globes of bright white seem to explode from lush ribbons of green along the shoreline of a dazzling blue lake.

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a vastly underappreciated native shrub…

Fruits of the Forest

Fruits of the Forest

In this week's Phenology Note, the focus is on three common (but often overlooked) woody plants that provide important nutrition for wildlife. Do you have these fruits ripening in your woods? Will you take the time to look for them, and to lean in to the lessons they have to teach us?

Plan Your Habitat Garden

Plan Your Habitat Garden

Have you been thinking about creating a more intentional space for wildlife, but you’re not sure where to start? I’m here to tell you that you just need to start somewhere, and the best time to start is now. I'm also here to help! So make yourself a cup of hot coffee or tea, and grab a pen and paper. Set some goals and make some notes. A little planning now will go a long way to help you achieve your overall vision, and to help you conserve wildlife right where you are.

Winterberry: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Winterberry: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

It's "the most wonderful time of the year" to spot the scarlet-red berries of our native holly. After a snowstorm, Winterberry is like a decorative red ribbon on a beautifully wrapped package, just waiting to be opened.  When snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, the bright red berries literally announce their place in the world - nature's Christmas ornaments! The berries of this shrub are like winter jewels for bluebirds, grosbeaks, waxwings, cardinals, robins, and other birds seeking much-needed nourishment throughout winter.