Text by Becky Hamm; images by Kent Anderson (aka “surfman”) in his iNaturalist entries, except as noted. Ah, summer: Warm breezes, colorful flowers, and lots of pollinating butterflies, bees, and … beetles? Oh yes, and flies and wasps too. While they might be overshadowed by pollinating insects that are cuter and more colorful, these lessContinue reading “Wasps and Beetles and Flies (Oh My!): They’re Pollinators and Much More”
Category Archives: Education
Teaching Children About Nature Through the Magic of a Loupe
Text and photos by Eric Weyer Nature is a never-ending source of wonder, offering an abundance of intricate details, some so tiny they can barely be seen with the naked eye. That makes “loupes” (or hand lenses) one of the most important tools in any naturalist’s arsenal. During a recent training exercise for ARMN volunteersContinue reading “Teaching Children About Nature Through the Magic of a Loupe”
The Call of the Wild—Knowing When an Animal Needs Our Help
By Colleen O’Hara This is the time of year when baby animals make their entrance into the world, and often times, into our hearts. Who can resist a fluffy baby bunny? Or a sweet, speckled fawn? Very often we see baby animals on their own in the wild and wonder: Does it need help? ShouldContinue reading “The Call of the Wild—Knowing When an Animal Needs Our Help “
Phenology: Timing Nature’s Clock
by Rosemary Jann Spring came unusually early to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic this year, including here in Arlington. Many of us have been delighted to see trees, shrubs, and plants emerging early all over our area because of our unseasonably warm winter. For scientists who study phenology, these seasonal variations hold a more specific significance.Continue reading “Phenology: Timing Nature’s Clock “
The Grass Seeds, My Friend, Are Blowin’ In the Wind
Text and photos by Noreen Hannigan, unless otherwise noted. Yes, grass seeds are blowin’ in the wind, but they’re not necessarily producing a pretty song! The list of non-native invasive grasses that escape cultivation from yards and gardens keeps growing. The 2022 edition of Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide by Jil M.Continue reading “The Grass Seeds, My Friend, Are Blowin’ In the Wind”
What is Killing Our Oak Trees and What Can We Do to Help?
By Colleen O’Hara Oak decline has been a growing concern in our region. In fact, many of us have experienced this outbreak firsthand in our own back yards or neighborhoods. But why are these oak trees dying and what can we do about it? How do we know that we have a problem with ourContinue reading “What is Killing Our Oak Trees and What Can We Do to Help?”
Harbingers of Spring
by Colleen O’Hara You could argue that no flowers are more patient than spring ephemerals—waiting all year to pop up for only a week or two when the weather starts to warm. Keep an eye (or an ear) out for spring peepers, wood frogs, and salamanders, too. As the weather warms and the rains fall,Continue reading “Harbingers of Spring”
WHERE TO FIND WINTER’S WONDERS
Text and photos by Barbara J. Saffir Hibernation is for big, ol’ hairy bears—NOT humans. Bundle up and head outside to discover winter’s wonders! It’s downright easy to spy our hometown Bald Eagles nesting in leaf-bare sycamores and other mammoth trees. And you might catch a sly Red Fox prancing through your neighborhood searching for hisContinue reading “WHERE TO FIND WINTER’S WONDERS”
How Animals Survive in Winter
Text by Colleen O’Hara. Photos by Ken Rosenthal Have you ever wondered how a duck can tolerate swimming in icy water? Or what happens to wood frogs when the temperature drops and the cold winds blow? Animals have a variety of ways to survive the cold winter months when food sources are scarce and theContinue reading “How Animals Survive in Winter”
Arlington County Fair: Candy Worms, Native Plants, and a “Spotted Lanternfly” Make a Fun Event for Visitors and Master Naturalists Alike
Text and photos by Marj Signer More than two dozen ARMN members shared their love of nature with numerous visitors at the Arlington County Fair, August 19-21 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. The ARMN exhibit space provided an opportunity for members of the public to learn about their master naturalist neighbors’ passion about nature.Continue reading “Arlington County Fair: Candy Worms, Native Plants, and a “Spotted Lanternfly” Make a Fun Event for Visitors and Master Naturalists Alike“