Notes from a Naturalist
November 08, 2019
Furry Architects
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - November 2019
"In November, the leaves have almost fully fallen and nature seems to have become quiet as it waits for the cold winter snow. Around this time you may notice a peculiar bundle of sticks and leaves revealed in the branches of the trees. It looks like a rather large bird nest, but the animal that created this home does not have wings..."
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October 15, 2019
The Forest Blues
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - October 2019
"October is full of color! During this time, forests in the northern hemisphere change to vibrant reds, orange, yellows, and browns - all you have to do is to look up. But there is another color in autumn that we have to look down to see..."
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September 24, 2019
Next Gen Turtles
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - September 2019
"September is in full swing which means we can expect to see turtle hatchlings emerging from their nests and scurrying back to the ponds their parents came from. What species of turtles can I expect to find..."
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August 06, 2019
Big Scales to Fill
By Allegra Jacobs, Animal Care - August 2019
The name “Monty Python” is well known, but in Fairfield County, he is more than just a legendary movie. Woodcock’s own Ball Python of the same name has stolen hearts, conquered snake phobias, and given warm hugs and gentle nudges to anyone in need. Fairfield’s Monty Python is a snake, and for the past fifteen years he has been VERY well known....
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June 11, 2019
Icy Summer?
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - June 2019
"People are finally getting to enjoy the warm weather and sunny skies we have craved for months! So why is it HAILING IN THE SUMMER!? Where is the ice coming from if we are baking in the heat?"
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May 08, 2019
A Letter to Dandelions
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - May 2019
"Let me first start off by saying thank you. Thank you for all the benefits and healthy nutrition that you provide including..."
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April 11, 2019
The Power of Rot
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - April 2019
"Composting is not difficult and shouldn’t take much time. Some people get discouraged because they are afraid of the time commitment while others put in too much effort. The four of the most common uses for compost are..."
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March 08, 2019
Why So Sappy?
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - March 2019
"Whenever people are asked what trees can provide for humans, one of the first answers to come up is sap, or syrup, which is made from tree sap. Where does this weird substance come from and why is it even there?"
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February 08, 2019
Why is the Fox face down in the snow?
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - February 2019
"February has come and we are officially in the middle of winter. While we’re going crazy relying on groundhogs for global weather predictions, it may seem that some animals are going crazy jumping face first into the snow. Is there a reason for it?"
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January 17, 2019
Winter Chorus - Breeding Behavior in Winter?
By Sam Nunes, Environmental Educator - January 2019
"We have now entered the cold winter months and it seems that everything is dormant. But if you listen, you may hear songs heating up in the bird world. Breeding season is not for a few months from now, but some bird species like to get an early start..."
-Read the full article here