EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Trilliums under attack in WNY
For generations of rural Western New Yorkers the white trillium was one of the most recognizable wildflowers of the spring woods. The brilliant plants would stand a foot tall and…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Bloodroot
Bloodroot is one of the harbingers of spring on the Niagara Frontier — and it is certainly one of our most interesting vernal wildflowers. From mid-April to early-May this member…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: The mourning cloak – the first butterfly of spring
If you were out and about in the woods enjoying some of our nice April days, you likely encountered – and were surprised by — a mourning cloak butterfly. This…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: The Lockport Nature Trail – the ultimate springtime hike
The rich soils of Western New York’s forests support an incredible number of beautiful wildflowers in the spring. April and May see some forest floors virtually blanketed with array of…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Glory of the Snow
Our springs are too fleeting. They pass by quickly, and amidst the hustle and bustle of our day-to- day lives it is often difficult to stop and enjoy the beauty…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák
Western New York skywatchers are blessed with an excellent year for comets that are visible with binoculars and perhaps the naked eye — if we’re lucky. In February, Comet 2P/Encke…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: The brown creeper – the ultimate in avian camouflage
When spring warms up the woodlands here on the lake plains we are blessed by visits from an incredible number of songbirds of an equally incredible number of species. Long…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Peepers – coming to a spring near you
After getting spring fever during February’s unusual warm spell we were brought back to reality by this week’s winter storm. As you peer out your window it doesn’t look like…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: In appreciation of the dandelion — the Rodney Dangerfield of wildflowers
Whole industries have been built upon the destruction of the dandelion. Think of how often you see the Lawn Doctor’s trucks staged in a neighbor’s driveway; or ponder the advertising…
EXPLORING THE NIAGARA FRONTIER: Finding Comet Encke, a comet rich in history
Last week you no doubt saw the media celebration of three celestial events occurring all at the same time. There was excitement over a snow moon, a lunar eclipse, and…