Gardening, Birding, Bees and Much More!!

If you haven't made your reservation yet, 

CALL TODAY!!   (740) 503-5108

www.FourSeasonsofGardening.com

The Licking County Master Gardeners put on a great program and I am thrilled to be able to return this year! They have ordered up some of the best nature-related speakers in Ohio.  This program is a FULL HOUSE of top-notch programs to help you enjoy and prepare for spring.

Please join us on Saturday, April 1.  

You love the vendor Market Place and the programs offered.

Hope to see you there!

Big thoughts on big trees

The next couple  of months I am booked to do several programs on trees.  Some of the best naturalist in the state of Ohio and beyond have formed my opinion on trees.  That opinion has been further refined by numerous books and tree-tourism. 

Whether the program is focused on trees for birds, or legacy trees, or trees for your yard, the admiration for trees should be obvious.  Look to the side-bar on your right for more information about upcoming programs.

Richland Co. Ohio Big Tree Tour    2006

 Steve McKee started my interest in big trees with a tour he put together in Richland County.  One truism I have discovered by looking over 10 years or more of tree photos- people love to be photographed with a tree!  We should start a #BigTree hash tag just to share all these magnificent photos.

 If you are a birder, you might recognize the name on the cover of this book.  David Sibley wrote and illustrated this excellent guide to trees.  This is a broad, brush-strokes book.  It might not have the details a botanist would want, but I love the artistic impressions and discoveries David portrays of American trees.  It might give you some fresh perspectives, too.

Your blogger with a giant Eastern Hemlock in West Virginia.

 Trees make me happy.  Big trees make me downright giddy. Maybe if we spent more time with big trees we would have a better understanding of our brief and temporary lifespan on this earth.  This tree was around before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock; I hope is it still standing long after I am gone.  It was an honor to spend time in the shadow of its greatness for one afternoon.  It certainly had more impact on me, than I had on it.

If you, too, are interested in trees and would like to plant more habitat in your yard or local plot, please go to Riverside Nursery's excellent web-app and see which native trees grow in your Ohio county.  You will also want to factor in if your tree-site is wet or dry.  It is all right there, based on The Woody Plants of Ohio book by Dr. E. Lucy Braun.

Spring is coming!  Let's get out and plants some native Ohio trees.

Shreve Migration- a SENSATION!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 18 for a hometown bird-extravaganza !

Shreve Migration Senesation never fails to charm.  If you like food, fun, birds, field trips, speakers or just an awesome opportunity to see kids having a great time!  

This is the all weather (indoors or out) all day, all purpose event!  We never know if it will rain, snow, or be gloriously warm.  No matter, it is the most affordable fun you can have in March in Ohio!

I hope to see you there, Details below, or go their website to see the speaker schedule:

Shreve Migration Schedule

Wildlife Diversity Conference 2017

Hope to see you all in Columbus at the annual Wildlife Diversity Conference on March 7th.  The program poster is below, and the online registration is found at:  https://apps.ohiodnr.gov/wildlife/diversityregistration/

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