Conserving History- Green Lawn Cemetery

This may seem like an odd topic for this time of year.  One might not think a cemetery would be in a Weedpicker's wheelhouse.  However, historical cemeteries were often 1 part arboretum, 1 part picnic area and parade ground.  These large open spaces set aside within metropolitan areas have often become oasis for wildlife, botany and migratory birds.

 Green Lawn cemetery in Columbus is one of those special places.   Many times, I have birded, botanized, and enjoyed the historical trees and interesting landmarks therein.  

Unfortunately it just receive very rough treatment at the hands of vandals.  There is no "Allstate" fix for this type of problem.  To set things right will take an enormous amount of time and money, and I hope you will consider going here to help out.  Even ten dollars would be a start in the right direction.

Go Fund Me- Green Lawn Cemetery

To read the whole story, please follow this link to the Columbus Dispatch.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/12/21/rewards-offered-to-nab-green-lawn-cemetery-vandals.html

Got Merlin?

 Green Lawn is an designated Important Bird Area.  If I want to show someone a Merlin in the winter months, Green Lawn is the first place I would head.  It would be an oversight not mention that is a very handsome Kentucky Coffeetree the bird is hanging out in!

Pine Sisken and Pine Warbler

There is also a very active bird feeding station near a pond in the center of the cemetery. It is a hot spot for rarities all winter long.  The cemetery management has been extremely accommodating to birders and I hope you might join me in sending our friends at Green Lawn a little Christmas love.  Happy Holidays!

                                       Go Fund Me- Green Lawn Cemetery

Spring's First Offerings

After a bit of warm weather and stream-swelling storms, southern Ohio awoke to a light covering of snow today. It was such a lovely blanket of white, I could barely begrudge it for hugging the first of spring's floral offerings.



After all, what is a Snow Trillium, Trillium nivale if it can't take a little snow? If you are interested in learning more about this species- go here for Jim McCormac's special take on this population.

Pining for Spring? Winter faces off with summer as this Pine Siskin (look closely for the wing bars on the left) shuns the approaching brightly yellow hued Pine Warbler. This was a most welcome sign of spring found at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus today.