Frothy Forage, April 27
One of 20 resident animals waiting to meet you!
Learn about the world around you! Join us for a weekend hike or program.
Frothy Forage, April 27
Notes from a Naturalist
April 24, 2024
Do You Know Your Pollinators?
By Jennifer Meikle - Environmental Educator
As the weather becomes warmer, you may be starting to notice more bugs buzzing around and more flowers starting to bloom. Late March and April brings Bumble Bees and ground nesting bees, and later on in April tunnel nesting bees also become active. You will also begin to see more butterflies flying around. These species are known as pollinators. While the word “pollinator” probably conjures up images of bees, they are not the only type of pollinators that are important.
- Read the full article here
March 7, 2024
Sea Monkeys, Burning Man, and Vernal Pools
By Kevin Andros - Environmental Educator
How can any of the things in the title be connected? I’m glad you asked. March is a real turning point in the seasons. The scale tips from cold and dreary to bright and hopeful, although some years this happens like a seesaw rather than a gradual shift. The start of spring is often characterized by new beginnings in the natural world. Migraters return in droves, the breeding season begins for many species, and spring ephemeral plants emerge. That word ephemeral is also a perfect descriptor for the connecting factor of “Sea Monkeys, Burning Man, and Vernal Pools”, the fairy shrimp!
- Read the full article here
January 18, 2024
Dinnertime For Our Birds of Prey
By Jennifer Meikle - Environmental Educator
At Woodcock, we currently have three birds of prey as animal ambassadors. All our birds can no longer fly due to wing injuries from being hit by cars. I was covering feeding one day, which involves placing a combination of dead thawed (originally frozen) rats, mice, and chicks in the bird enclosures for their dinner. Starting with Click, our Barred Owl, I place her mice on the stump which basically serves as her plate. She watches me from a distance with her large eyes; she’ll come back to eat those later on, often when no one is around.
- Read the full article here