My favorite holiday, Earth Day is tomorrow, April 22! Although we should consider our impact on the planet every day, Earth Day is an excellent time to evaluate our habits and lifestyles, and make a pledge to do our best.
Read MoreMarch has arrived, ushering in longer days and more sunlight. If this has you dreaming of the beach look no further than the rocks and shores of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. From November through April seals can be spotted along the New Jersey coastline.
Read MoreThe backdrop of white really makes certain birds stand out like beautiful Blue Jays, our yellow state bird the American Goldfinch, and ruby-red Northern Cardinals. Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes these birds so colorful!
Read MoreThe holiday season is officially upon us! ‘Tis the season for food, family, gifts, and good cheer! During this time when we reflect on what we are thankful for and make resolutions for the new year, don’t forget planet earth amidst
Read MoreAhhh yes, the familiar feeling of cool, crisp air is always so comforting to me. It brings relief after a scorching summer, and reminds me that every year, without fail, the autumn season will return.
Read MoreBald heads…sharp beaks…bacteria covered bodies…connoisseurs of rotten meat…are not characteristics that usually summon nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. But as we all know, beauty is only skin deep. The very existence of vultures helps to…
Read MoreHorseshoe crabs must be doing something right—they have existed for over 400 million years—that’s 200 million years before the first dinosaurs roamed. Although planet earth has undergone some serious evolutionary changes in this time, horseshoe…
Read MoreI have distinct childhood memories of being kept awake by the constant, droning noise of cicadas during hot summer nights with the windows open. Get ready to welcome this ridiculously…
Read MoreMarch may have come in like a lion, but everywhere you look, there are signs of spring! Not only have our white surroundings slowly turned back to green (or brown from mud, lots of mud), but tiny buds are…
Read MoreRight now, here in New Jersey, in the United States, on Planet Earth it is 30 degrees outside and lightly snowing. As much as I truly love the snow, even I am starting to dream of spring. But when I think of what it might be like to live on Mars, I remind myself to be grateful.
Read MoreSince groundhogs only get love one day a year, I thought I would devote an entire blog post to these furry loners.
Read MoreRecently, while on a hike with my dog near a small branch of the Raritan River, I saw a great blue heron spread its wings and fly away. It was already leaving by the time I became aware of its presence, so I was only able…
Read MoreAs we move into the winter season, the world outside has become quiet and barren. But if we look closely, there is still plenty of life happening all around and there are many opportunities for scientific exploration waiting to be…
Read MoreThe snowfall here in New Jersey really makes it feel and look like winter! The frigid temperatures and white landscape came just in time for the official first day of the season on Monday, December 21 –the winter solstice. Moving through these dark days, I find…
Read MoreGreen is not the first color that comes to mind when thinking of the winter season. But if you look around outside this time of year, you will still see green in the forest. It belongs to a certain type of tree called Evergreens. This greenery is a familiar sight during the holiday season, as it is used for decorations, like…
Read MoreNow that the leaves have completed their annual dance to the ground, the branches will be bare until spring. Although this time of year is quiet in the wild world, it is a great time to bird watch. The lack of leaves exposes some action that is blocked to us in other…
Read MoreLately, I’ve been having turkey sightings in my yard. They appear in groups or flocks called “rafters” of up to 20 or more, and forage through my yard. They only leave the woods edge to indulge in fallen acorns closer to the house. The word turkey has a second meaning in our language of silly or even dumb. But turkeys are smarter…
Read MoreThe universe is coming together in a mystical and eerie way, just in time for Halloween this year. On Saturday, October 31, 2020, there will not only be a full moon, but a blue moon…a full blue moon!
Read MoreAs we move further into fall and approach winter, you may notice animals in a scurry on the ground. Eventually, you will also notice fewer animals out and about. This is because winter is a risky time for warm-blooded animals. The freezing temperatures and scarcity of food leaves many species vulnerable during…
Read MoreWhile the arrival of fall and cooler weather makes the landscape bleak, don’t despair! The falling leaves can reveal treasures that are hidden during the rest of the year. October is time for owls to begin preparing for winter breeding by designating nesting…
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