Butterflies: More Than Just Beautiful Wings
Butterflies are the beauties of our gardens and landscapes. Their beautiful colors and delicate wings bring life and color into our lives. But what purpose do they serve in our environment? Butterflies are beautiful but mighty workers. They help our environment more than we realize! Butterflies are Pollinators Butterflies are attracted to bright flowers and […]
Where Animals Live During Winter in Wisconsin: Birds, Badgers, & Others Brave the Cold
Bitter cold, snow, and barren ground are typical characteristics of a Wisconsin winter. Sometimes temperatures warm up or less snow falls, but animals of all kinds have to adapt to this dormant season. Some migrate to warmer places while others hunker down in temporary habitats where they can. Others fully hibernate or go into torpor […]
3 Ways to Protect Birds in The Winter Months
We all miss the beautiful songs of birds in the spring and summer, but now that winter is here, there are some days that we rarely see them. During harsh winter weather, there are easy ways you can protect and help the birds in your landscape and neighborhood. Provide Food The best way you can […]
How Animals Use Dead Wood as a Building Block for Habitat
When you are out on a walk and you see all the dead trees lying on the ground, do you ever think “why aren’t these being cleaned up?” Did you know that the dead wood in your yard or in your neighborhood is more important than it may seem? Dead wood plays an important role […]
Mushrooms: The Silent Helpers
Look down at your feet. Did you know that right under the ground, there is a network of living organisms communicating and helping our ecosystem and you? Right below there’s a huge web of fungi working hard to keep the world running. Fungi are best known for their fruiting bodies, mushrooms, but most of their […]
Native Plants to Fill Your Fall Gaps & Containers
As we transition further in fall you might be stuck on what to do with your garden or landscape at home. When we think of fall, we think of plants and blooms dying off because the air is colder and the sun isn’t around as much. On the contrary, there are multiple different plants that […]
Wisconsin Migrators: Which Birds Make the Annual Journey South
Fall is here! As the weather will continue to change from a crisp fall day into a chilly winter, Wisconsin birds prepare for their 600-mile non-stop trek to warmer weather to overwinter. Then, as Wisconsin defrosts in the spring, they’ll return to enjoy the springtime and warm summer temperatures. This week we’re digging into what […]
Threats to Monarch Migration
Monarchs are not only beautiful butterflies, they also play an important role within the pollination cycle and local ecosystems. But what are they up to when you don’t see them in the colder seasons? Monarchs Migrate Just like many birds, monarch butterflies migrate south for the winter. Their delicate bodies are not able to survive […]
What Are Meadows & Why Are They Important?
Meadows are a beautiful and peaceful habitat. We can enjoy the sounds of nature in an open environment. A meadow is more than just an open field. Meadows are diverse, dynamic habitats dominated by herbaceous plants, including native grasses and wildflowers. Meadow habitats are often overlooked, but they are critical homes to many wildflowers and […]
How to Help the Trees in Your Neighborhood & Beyond
Trees are one of the most helpful plants on Earth. They are an important part of ecosystems everywhere, providing habitats as well as food for numerous animals and organisms, including humans. They help clean the air around us, provide us with breathable air, and give shade during the hotter seasons. Throughout the years, trees have […]
