Quail Survive at Cobble Hill Farm Because of Habitat
Cobble Hill Farm in Staunton Virginia released pen raised Northern Bobwhites in December of 2012. I interviewed Jim Pile, the farm’s manager on October 1st 2013 for this article and I could hear Quail giving their “Hoy-ee” call. Click on the hot link above to go a website with the...
Well Managed “Open-Space” Should Not Be Taxed
“Well-managed” farmland and other working “open-spaces” should not be taxed when they provide ecosystem services exceeding the cost of public services for the land.
Native Plants Can Be Invasive
I finally found a plant that will take over tall fescue – wingstem, but I’m not sure I like it. Let me explain. Both plants are invasive, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a non-native invasive plant; wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) is a native plant that is invasive.
Bobby’s Rant on the Monsanto v. Bowman Case
Soils For Kids
This blog post is for those students with a desire to help our Planet Earth. There is a link to a special website with games and information to help you become a trained crewmember on our special space ship. Our space ship is called Earth. We are all in this...
Swoope Almanac October 2012 – Figs, Cab Sav, Blue Cheese, and Sunsets
High Temperatures and Drought Affect Pollination
There’s been a lot of news lately about extreme weather throughout the world; here in the U.S. the Huffington Post as well as other news sources reported that the past twelve-month period from July 2011 through June 2012 has been the hottest on record. In other news over half of...
Help Save the Hillside Project at JMU: America’s Obsession With Manicured Lawns
Scroll down to see the pictures of James Madison University’s “Hillside Project.” The native prairie is now in full bloom. You can see it from I-81. Some think it looks terrible and want it put back in manicured lawn. Help save this wonderful outdoor classroom by posting your comment...
Riparian Plant Feature – False Indigo Bush
False Indigo Bush, Amorpha fruticosa This native, leguminous shrub is one of the best riparian plants for creating wildlife habitat and improving water quality. It is fast growing and deer don’t like to eat it, so if you want success in your shrub or wildlife plantings this is a winner. ...
