Sunset at Chautauqua Lake
Doing conservation related work around our region takes us to some really incredible places, blessing us with beautiful scenery and a diversity of species. While we work hard at surveying these areas in order to learn more about the habitats and needs of existing species, sometimes we need to take a break and simply take in all that is around us. Last week after spending the day doing surveys, I took an evening hike over at Long Point State Park, one of our Natural History Atlas sites, to take in the beautiful colors, warmth and water that surrounded me. I hope that during your busy week you...
Read MoreButterflies Coming
Butterflies like this Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) will be emerging next month! As we near the end of avian migration and enter their breeding season we will be seeing many more of our insect friends taking flight. I have not had a lot of time to spend surveying for them yet, but butterflies I have seen so far this year include Black Swallowtail, Eastern Tailed-blue, Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Cabbage White and Monarch. When June hits our staff will be sure to begin surveying sites from our Natural History Atlas as well as other critical habitats, or locations that...
Read MoreWhy Do Leaves Change Color?
Have you ever wondered why the lush green summer colors of the local trees and shrubs change as autumn approaches? Well, as the length of daylight shortens and the intensity of sunlight lessens, chlorophyll production slows down and eventually stops within the leaves. As the chlorophyll gets broken down and disappears, the carotenoids and anthocyanins (other chemicals that exists in the leaves) become unmasked as the green color fades, revealing brilliant shades of oranges, reds and yellows. While this process is occurring, another is at work. The veins that carry fluids and nutrients in and...
Read MoreCanada Darner (Aeshna canadensis)
Have you ever taken an up close look at a dragonfly? We did at this Canada Darner (Aeshna canadensis) we found patrolling the edge of the pond at College Lodge around this time last year. As you can see, Canada Darners have large compound eyes, providing excellent vision needed for hunting on the fly. While you are enjoying the autumn-like days soon to come, keep an eye out for this spectacular dragonfly species and more emerging and migrating through the area.
Read MoreEnjoying Our Natural Areas
This past week my husband and I enjoyed a walk through Long Point State Park, a RTPI Natural History Atlas location and a beautiful natural area just a short walk from our home. While we were out, we took a quick look in a stream and seep for some salamanders and found a good sized Northern Dusky (Desmognathus fuscus). Although the salamander was exciting to see, I was most excited to see my husband flipping rocks and enjoying this naturally rich area as much as I was. While fall is soon approaching, there is still plenty of time to get outside and explore the county’s abundant natural...
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