Growing up on one of the lower Grand River bayous, the day the ice went out in the spring was always an exciting event, with a riot of circling gulls fighting to scavenge pickings released from the ice. A sudden change in the wind direction
In the game “Six Degrees of Separation” players are challenged to find the links between two seemingly unrelated people or things with the fewest steps possible. In west Michigan, there is a very strong connection between petri dishes and plovers – and the Land Conservancy is
“Who cooks for you?” This was the sound I heard last week when I was out in my backyard. (It was somewhat ironic since I was grilling at the time!) The question was actually coming from a Barred Owl. Of course, I doubt there was really any
The reasons to incorporate native plants into your yard are numerous: Supporting native animal and insect populations Their long root systems prevent erosion and runoff They are formed by our climate, and thus more tolerable of weather extremes Variety of native plants allow for blooming
Like a teenager who’s partied past curfew, nature preserves need tough love, too. That’s why a group of us found ourselves in Rockford last week, cutting down perfectly good trees in a nature preserve. Invasives? Nope. These were oaks, mostly, with some maples and cherries too. Quite
“Your pet has escaped and it’s somewhere in our house.” This was our younger daughter, calling my office on the day before Christmas. I was avoiding the holiday crowds by hiding at work. She sounded agitated even before we heard a scream from across the room.
One of Emily Dickinson’s poems begins: “I dreaded that first robin so…” That first robin cannot come soon enough for me. I love the four seasons, including winter, and love being outdoors in winter, but I have had enough. In idle moments, my mind is pulled to
We recently announced that we reached our fundraising goal for the new Anderson Woods Nature Preserve in Muskegon County’s Fruitland Township. Community response to this project has been gratifying, helping us raise over $190,000 including lead donations and grants. Thanks to everyone who contributed – your
Have you ever heard of the Arctic Grayling? Before the abundance of brown trout and steelhead in Michigan’s rivers, this fish with the large dorsal fin is the one that anglers dreamt about. And it’s possible that it might make a return. A victim of the logging
It was Valentine's Day and Grand Rapids was getting pummeled with blizzard conditions. But that didn't stop a group of rock star volunteers from spending the morning at Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve, working to remove the invasive glossy buckthorn. Just look at these committed volunteers working