Fall foliage turns to brown
Even at this mid-November date there are still areas of fall foliage clinging to trees in the Northeast. The prolonged autumn season has left us dark orange, red and brown leaves that have a haunting hue in the setting sun against the slate-colored clouds. The coming cold and snow will mark the end of their prolonged reign against our skyline.
Read MoreWinter Tree ID
As autumn is winding down in Western New York, more leaves are on the ground rather than on the twigs of the trees from which they came. With no leaves, tree identification throughout the late fall and winter can be rather challenging. However, paying close attention to a tree’s bark can help identify it, as each species has its own unique bark as they do leaves. Take the tree pictured here for example. It has flaky, reddish bark in places making it look somewhat similar to a Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). But, there are several flat pieces with horizontal lines going across them as...
Read MorePerpetual golden shades
It seems like we cannot stop producing yellow and bright golden shades this autumn as many trees are still hanging on to leaves. The seemingly perpetual color is certainly welcome to stick around for as long as it likes. Even a few maples are continuing to produce a lot of bright hues at this late fall foliage date. Go outside and enjoy it all this weekend, even with the chillier November air!
Read MoreSycamore Tree on a pond
The brilliant autumn foliage surrounding this pond was being guarded by a sizable Sycamore Tree. A couple dozen camera-shy Mallard and American Black Ducks were present and more waterfowl will be moving in shortly. In a couple of months this very spot may be enveloped in ice and snow, pure white with the tree looking as if it has arctic camouflage. I will be sure to return to find some colder charm then. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MorePowerline corridors, plants and wildlife
Powerline corridors, as well as gas and oil pipeline right of ways, are often an unexpected habitat oasis. They cover millions of acres of land in America. They may also provide a tremendous benefit to plants and wildlife that favor scrub or early successional habitat, a type that we do not favor in our development otherwise. Certain bees and butterflies to flowers and birds can all end up winning if these strips are managed properly – limiting mowing, chemicals, invasive plants and so forth. As humans have worked to protect forests we have neglected to do the same for this habitat...
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