by Kathy Sykes Each Earth Day, we reflect on what we can do for Mother Earth, and meet the challenges that come from the changing climate and landscapes. Fortunately, there […]
Backyard Nature: The love song of the American toad
by Marlene Berlin One day in early April, I was treated to a thrilling duet. This American toad, from its perch on a Broad Branch stream pond, was calling out […]
Backyard Nature: The native wildflowers of early spring
by Marlene Berlin When you see Rock Creek Park Weed Warriors leading volunteers in Rock Creek Park and its tributary parks, give them a tip of the hat and your […]
Backyard Nature: The reasons woodpeckers peck at trees – and your home
by Marlene Berlin Woodpeckers are a-wooing. If you are hiking in Rock Creek Park this time of year, and are hearing the drumming of woodpeckers, there’s a good chance those […]
Backyard Nature: Where do the frogs go when it’s cold? (Correction)
Alex Sanders, as program manager of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, spends a lot of time in parks and on local trails. And he is so tuned into frog calls, […]
Backyard Nature: A turkey making house calls
by Marlene Berlin Sometimes we have unexpected wildlife encounters – without leaving the house. We received this dispatch from neighbor Dzenita Mehic Saracevic: It was just an ordinary Friday. I […]
A moment of peace and joy at the playground, and a neatnik crow
by Marlene Berlin It was a bright and sunny Saturday morning. I was walking by Forest Hills Playground on Chesapeake. And I heard the mingling of many joyful voices. Kids […]
Backyard Nature: A showstopping autumn
by Marlene Berlin Fall has wowed us this year, with colors that stand out both in their brilliance and their longevity. The yellows, oranges and reds emerged with a vengeance […]
Backyard Nature: Autumn is in bloom. Is that strange?
by Marlene Berlin The changing fall leaves aren’t the only ways nature is adding more color to the fall months. On November 7th, I spotted these irises. I was amazed […]
Backyard Nature: What causes trees to change their colors and shed their leaves in the fall
by Marlene Berlin Almost as soon as trees start to wear their fall colors, they begin to slough them off. Around the neighborhood and on Rock Creek Park trails, flashes […]