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. ...
Blackpoll Warblers in Swoope
Blackpoll Warblers came to the trees in our yard this week. They’re on their way to the boreal forests of Canada. I don’t know a lot of people that have seen a Blackpoll Warbler and when I mention them I get funny stares – I’m a birder.
Earth Day and the 50th Anniversary of Silent Spring
Rachel Carson…she’s one of my heroes. This year for Earth Day (April 22, 2012) it is fitting to honor the 50th anniversary of Rachael Carson’s book, Silent Spring.
“Good Oak” Revisited 2012
Aldo Leopold wrote eloquently about an ancient log he placed on the andirons of his fire in A Sand County Almanac published in 1949. The chapter was “Good Oak”. Below is my lament for a log I placed on the andirons of a fire we had in the summer kitchen...
October is National Kill Tall Fescue Month
October is a good time to kill Tall Fescue. I like killing Tall Fescue because it is perhaps the most invasive non-native plant in North America. In my opinion it is more invasive than Purple loosestrife and Phragmites yet why don’t we hear more about it? Not only is Tall...
In his e-book, Bobby shares his invaluable knowledge and findings drawn from years of field experience. His tips for how to improve water quality and protect livestock are a true win/win. Please read it. And please share it.
