plants
A Turtle Steals the Show!
Today, I presented nine times on prairies! In the morning, I saw four kindergarten classes. I like students of all ages, including kindergarten. The weather was fine, although a little overcast and cooler. They listened to me talk for about 10 minutes, and then, went on an I SPY walk in a man-made prairie looking…
Lovely Lilac Memories
Lilacs are some of my favorite flowers. Their heady fragrance is heavenly in the fresh spring air that still has a cool bite in the morning. Growing up outside of Rochester, New York, lilacs were among the first flowers I was able to identify and appreciate. There has been an annual Lilac Festival in Rochester…
Silent Sunday: Story County (Iowa) Conservation Center Trails
All Photographs, © Carol Labuzzetta, 2019
Academic Writing: Prescribed Burns
Some weeks ago I posted one of my academic papers from my graduate coursework in Environmental Education and Natural Resources. I am finding, roughly six months out of school, that I miss academic writing! I know that sounds crazy, but I love information and the synthesis of it following a period of researching a topic….
Milkweed Mission
It is a little early to start thinking about the arrival of my favorite butterfly, but I read that the Monarchs have started to leave their overwintering site in Central Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains. If you have a chance and want to listen to a scientist who has devoted her whole life to this incredible…
Phenology: It is 5 o’clock and Spring is on the Way!
We all know the saying, “it’s five o’clock somewhere” which usually refers to having an adult beverage well before the time it might be socially acceptable to do so. But, today, I exclaimed, “It’s five o’clock and still light out!” We are freed from the dark clutches of winter’s gloom.” Not exactly poetic but true!…
Oh, that Prickly Pear!
This week I prepared a lesson on cacti for my garden club students. It’s a great lesson for the February or anytime in the winter, as it can be conducted inside. So many of our days have been sub-zero this year, it was proactive thinking to have a lesson that didn’t include being out-of-doors. Teaching…
Plant Catalog Cravings
I have been trying to pick plants to start from seed for the school garden I tend as part of my garden club advisor job. Last year, I purchased plants from a homeschooled teenager who had his own greenhouse business. They were probably the most healthy plants I have ever had in my gardens! Some…
A Yard Walk About: Cones, Stones, and Sticks
This morning I was inspired by a fellow blogger from the UK. I often read her posts just as I get up for the day, most likely due to the time difference. It is shortly past midnight here when I receive her blog via an email link because I follow her. She is a talented…