The Naturalist’s Blog

Fire has been one of nature’s most cherished gifts to humans for millions of years. Fire offers protection from predators, the ability to cook food, life-saving warmth, and light in darkness. The ability to keep fires going for longer periods of time was incredibly important. One of the ways that ancient humans would do this is through the use of amadou, the flammable substance found in the Tinder Polypore or Hoof Fungus (Fomes fomentarius).

As the shortest day of the year approaches, it can be difficult to find time to connect with nature during the daylight hours. However, one of winter's gifts is the opportunity to appreciate the night sky. On clear nights, there's a whole universe to explore waiting right above our heads.

Often, the holidays also bring up family traditions that remind me of ‘my roots’. The deep sense of connection and belonging that the holidays bring seems to be intricately connected to traditions and holiday rituals. In some ways, nature is ‘the roots’ that bind us all together.

Many Shades of Evergreens Week of November 21 – November 27, 2021 by Bridget Jones, Environmental Educator After the bright colors of fall disappear, the forest landscape in November can seem full of muted browns and grays. However, during a walk last week at Baltimore Woods, a color caught my eye that is more commonly associated with spring than winter. November is a wonderful time to appreciate the many shades of [...]

Beaver Families Week of November 28 – December 4, 2021 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator Beavers are incredible ecosystem engineers, and their dams create habitats for a great variety of other living things. By altering the flow of water and allowing beaver ponds to form, they create living space for waterfowl, amphibians, aquatic plants, and more. You may have seen beavers swimming around ponds in the warmer months, but have you [...]

Skeletons of Trees Week of November 14 – November 20, 2021 by Melissa Kirby, Environmental Educator While hiking the preserve recently on a glorious sunny day I gazed up at the leafless skeleton of a sumac tree. The contrast between the tree and vibrant blue sky was mesmerizing enough that I stood there for a minute or so. I observed the shaded areas around the branches, trunk, and the red berries [...]

Rituals Week of November 7 - November 13, 2021 by Tom Meier, Program Manager Just behind the Interpretive Center there is a patch of black walnut trees that have produced a mountain of nuts this year. If you venture too close to the trees you may be scolded by a spunky red squirrel who seems determined to stash every nut in the eaves of the pole barn. This ritual is [...]

It’s nearly the end of acorn season, when the mighty oaks of the eastern forest give up their precious acorns to make a feast for jays, squirrels, birds, and mammals. Hidden inside each one of these acorns is the makings of a new oak and the continuation of the forest.

As October draws to an end, I love seeing all of the different autumn decorations throughout my neighborhood. Just as nature celebrates the season with brilliant leaf colors, humans celebrate autumn too. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but I found out there is more to the story than just fun costumes and candy.