Winter 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 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...
Read MorePeak Week
Last week seemed to be the peak for fall foliage, with brilliant reds, yellows and oranges covering the landscape. However, there is still lots of fall color outside to see. So take a break and head for the great outdoors this weekend to enjoy the colors while you still can!
Read MorePennsylvania forest in fall
The Pennsylvania forest in Warren County is a lovely place to hike even when it has such a manufactured feel. It may be hard to imagine at the moment but soon enough we will need snowshoes in many of these areas…
Read MoreAutumn shades at RTPI
Here are a few photos of some of the bluest of blue sky you can see mixed with clouds over RTPI yesterday afternoon, all set above the slowly changing colors. We are seeing some yellow and orange fall foliage starting to pop in the immediate Jamestown area, conquering the remaining green. This week should yield an explosion of vibrant autumn shades. I hope you are able to make your way outdoors on this weekend of purely splendid October weather. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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