Nature Moments

Nathaniel T. Wheelwright

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Galls, Cankers and Witch’s Brooms

April 9, 2018


Have you ever noticed tumor-like growths on plants? Fungi, insects, mites and bacteria are like “body snatchers,” penetrating plant cells and manipulating them to produce galls, cankers and witch’s brooms for the parasites’ benefit. Fortunately, most are benign.

Filed Under: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Tagged With: April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, Plants, September

The Odd Thing About Mosses

March 30, 2018


Mosses are among the most ancient plants on earth, and their peculiar biology shows it. The lovely leafy green plant that all of us are familiar with? It has just half the normal number of chromosomes, like an egg or sperm!

Filed Under: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Tagged With: April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, Plants, September

Keeping Your Own Nature Journal

March 9, 2018


Taking “forest baths” and recording your observations can be wonderful therapy for modern times. Here are some tips from acclaimed natural history writer Bernd Heinrich for keeping your own nature journal.

Filed Under: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Tagged With: Animals, April, August, Birds, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, Plants, September

A Close Look at Mosses

December 8, 2017


Have you ever taken a close look at mosses? They’re simply elegant, and you can find them almost anywhere. They’re not that hard to tell apart especially with Ralph Pope’s moss field guide, so why not get to know them?

Filed Under: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Tagged With: April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, Plants, September

Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

November 14, 2017

Why do leaves change color in the fall? I asked Bowdoin College Biologist Barry Logan that question. It turns out that the answer depends upon what color you’re talking about. Who knew that red acts like a leaf’s sunscreen?

Filed Under: Fall Tagged With: October, Plants

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Amphibians & Reptiles Animals April August Birds Bumblebee Climate Change December Environment February Flora Flowers Fungi Illustrations Insects Invertebrates Iris Irises January July June Ladyslippers Mammals March May Meadow Naturalist Nature Nature Moments November October Outdoors Plants September Spittlebug Summer Turtles

Acknowledgements

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