Pennsylvania Elk
Typically when most people think of North American Elk (Cervus elaphus), they picture them scattered across a beautiful mountainous landscape in the Rockies or dotting a grassland prairie in the Midwest. What many fail to think of however, is elk in their own backyard or wooded property right here in the eastern United States; many except those in “elk country” Pennsylvania. Historically, Pennsylvania was like most states having a healthy elk population with copious amounts of prime habitat capable of sustaining the largest member of the deer family. However, upon the arrival of...
Read MoreSigns here, there and everywhere
It’s always a pleasure to see some natural history on display in very public areas where you may not expect it. This Connecticut sign discusses the ever-important Housatonic River Watershed today all the way to its history dating back 21,000 years. Good job by Sikorsky, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Merritt Parkway Conservancy and the Housatonic Valley Association. You’re going to find many more and very visible signs by RTPI in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region soon that act as a unique, engaging gateway to education…stay tuned.
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...
Read More
