Snow - Dec 8 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 134Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.Snow! - finally enough snow to go cross country skiiing.I often wonder - ‘Where are all the living creature?’ and ‘How are they managing to survive?’ One place where I’ve found some answers to these questions in “Winter World” by Bernd Heinrich.  Heninrich’s wonderful book that looks at how animals survive winter. I highly recommend this book!

This is my favorite view at camp.  It’s looking north from the enterance road of camp.

Here are some horsetail ferns by the fen.

Ice Formation - Nov 21, 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 106Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.This interesting ice formation is on the base of a plant that in growing out of an ant mound that is located in our prairie fen(bog jog). I don’t know what caused the ice to form this way.

Millipede in the basement of Nature Center - Nov 1 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 093Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

Heading out of my office I look down and see this millipede crawling along the floor of the Nature Center. It’s facinating how these creatures move.

Hornets leftover- Nov 1, 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 088Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

This hornet’s nest is on the ground at the base of Turtle Hill. For some reason these two residents didn’t make it out alive.

First snow fall of the season - Oct 12 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 066Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

 Sassafras tree at the base of turtle hill.

Dogwood leaf

Autumn Olive with berries.

 Staghorn sumac. 

Lichen’s growing on wooden fence - Oct 9 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 044Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.These are really interesting lichens growing on a fence at Manowe Ministries(just north of Sturgis Michigan). I believe this type of lichen is called Brittish Soldiers.

Pink Morning Contrails - Oct 9 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 040Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

It’s 7:30am and I can’t resist to take a shot of these pink contrails. Here’s more information on colors at twilight.

Airplane contrails(condensation trails) may play a role in global warming.

Milkweed Seeds - Massasauga trail - Oct 8 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 038

Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

Here are some milkweed seeds that are ready to fly.

Garter Snake - Massasauga Trail - Oct 8 2006

This garter snake on Massasauga trail is also enjoying this warm sunny day.
 

Staghorn Sumac - Oct 8 2006

Nov_Dec_2006 034

Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

This staghorn sumac tree is on Massasauga trail just behind the Tamarack lodge.

The fuzzy red fruit from this plant can be used to make a tea. I have seen some blue jays eating the fruit as well.