by Rich Couse | Oct 26, 2023 | Plants, Wildflowers, Yard Biodiversity
It’s life’s little mysteries that keep our sense of wonder alive. Categorizing and naming things is built into our human DNA, and for some, the drive to give names to things is stronger than others. I would guess it is that drive that sends people down the... 
by Rich Couse | Jul 26, 2023 | Plants, Insects, Wildflowers, Yard Biodiversity
About a month ago, I was on a Natural Neighbors visit walking a property with a landowner and talking about things that can be done to increase the diversity of native species. The property owner said she was having trouble bonding with her land and this started the... 
by Angela Luckey | Jul 22, 2022 | Insects, Wildflowers, Yard Biodiversity
Natural Neighbors participants are making great strides in increasing native plant diversity on their property and providing essential sources of water and cover in year two of the program. We have 180 individuals and neighbors enrolled in the program! They all have... 
by Matt Pelikan | May 19, 2022 | Environmental Issues, Insects, Martha's Vineyard Atlas of Life, Wildflowers
Friday, May 20, is both Endangered Species Day and World Bee Day. What could be a more appropriate topic for that dual celebration than an endangered bee? Walsh’s Anthophora (Anthophora walshii), a rare species throughout the Northeast, is listed as... 
by Angela Luckey | Apr 28, 2022 | Insects, Wildflowers, Yard Biodiversity
Spring is a time of year when many of us focus on clearing out the old to prepare for the new. If you’ve watched or read anything by Marie Kondo, you’ve probably learned some pointers on clearing clutter and simplifying your life to cultivate more... 
by Matt Pelikan | Apr 27, 2022 | Wildflowers
The range of Bird’s Foot violet, Viola pedata, extends across most of the eastern United States. But wherever it occurs, this distinctive spring-flowering perennial lives on sandy soil. So it’s no surprise that it flourishes on the lean, gritty soils of...