Sun getting lower
The sun is getting lower in the sky every day for us creating new and lovely views to take in while out enjoying nature. Please make the most of what will be an absolutely sensational weekend and go outside. Explore, discover and revel in our natural world…and bring all the kids you can!
Read MoreBlue sky action
Please be sure to go outside and take in some of this blue sky action today. It’s healthy, wondrous and a perfect celebration for the first day of fall.
Read MoreClosed Bottle Gentian (Gentiana clausa)
This lovely flower goes by the name of Gentiana clausa, otherwise known as the Closed Bottle Gentian. These flowers bloom from late summer to early fall and remain bottled up throughout the entire time the plant is flowering. This often unseen flower can be found hiding along stream banks, in moist woodlands or wet meadows and is quite a beauty to see!
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.
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