Learn more about the natural world with our team of naturalists. Join our staff to discover all sorts of new things about nature…virtually!

Animal Feature of the Week: Winter’s Feathered Friends

by Anna Stunkel, Naturalist
As the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, the world seems to slow down a bit in winter. However, that is not the case for some of the tiniest of our forest bird species. Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, nuthatches, juncos, woodpeckers, and other birds are currently hard at work collecting seeds and zipping around through the branches. Take a minute after your busy day to join Environmental Educator Anna and watch one of winter’s favorite gifts – the birds!

Naturalist Check-in: Melting Snow – A Micro View

by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator
As warmer months approach, melting snow can be a welcome sight. Sometimes after a long cold winter of snow removal, it can be hard to remember that snow is beautiful in its own right. Take a closer look under the microscope in this video to witness the beauty of a snowflake – even as its melting away!

Natural Connections: Sounds Within the Wind

by Bridget Jones, Environmental Educator
On windy days in winter, the forest comes alive with sound. Trees creak and knock branches together. Leaves hanging on from the fall rustle and dance, like the beech leaves seen here. While we humans try to keep out of strong winds, some animals are still going about their usual activities! Keep an ear out for a white-breasted nuthatch calling in the background at the end of the video. Although nuthatches are tiny birds, their loud voices can be heard even over the howling wind. What do you notice outside on windydays?