Most backyards in North America have only one type of squirrel that you see regularly. In northern and eastern regions, the two most common types are red and gray squirrels. But if you’ve ever seen these two squirrels side-by-side then you know they’re really quite different animals! Not just in terms of size & appearance, but also in their behavior, habitat & even their … [Read more...] about 8 Differences Between Red & Gray Squirrels (Photos, ID & Behavior)
Naturalist Training Articles
Quick Guide To Mast Trees: Magic of Bumper Crops, 7 Examples & Implications For Wildlife
As the growing season comes to a close every autumn, something magical happens in the forest which has massive implications for the lives of billions of creatures. They’re called mast trees! And today I’m going to share a quick introduction with all the basics you need to know to identify mast trees and reap the benefits of their harvest. So what are mast trees? A mast tree is any tree … [Read more...] about Quick Guide To Mast Trees: Magic of Bumper Crops, 7 Examples & Implications For Wildlife
How To Identify Coniferous Trees: Easy tricks for pine, spruce, fir & more
When I started learning tree identification, one of my first goals was to find an easy method to quickly identify coniferous trees. Most common types of coniferous trees can be easily identified by observing simple characteristics in how the tree grows, such as: How long are the needles?Are the needles soft or pokey?Do the needles grow in a flat plane or encircle the branch?What does … [Read more...] about How To Identify Coniferous Trees: Easy tricks for pine, spruce, fir & more
When Do Squirrels Mate & Have Babies? (mating calendar + 3 behaviors to look for)
One of the secrets to really understanding squirrel behavior is knowing when they have babies in your local forests. Squirrel mating behaviors are a frequently misunderstood topic in the life of squirrels because their breeding habits have such incredible diversity that all depends on each individual squirrel. As a general rule most Gray and Fox squirrels have their babies during September … [Read more...] about When Do Squirrels Mate & Have Babies? (mating calendar + 3 behaviors to look for)
Robin Nesting Habits: How to Find Nests & 5 Nest Behaviors To Observe
Sometimes the most commonly seen birds are also the best teachers of bird behavior. This is why American Robins are truly one of my favorite birds to watch during the spring nesting season. Pretty much every home in North America with a lawn & some nearby trees will have robins nesting within view. It’s amazing how much we can learn from observing such a common bird that so often gets … [Read more...] about Robin Nesting Habits: How to Find Nests & 5 Nest Behaviors To Observe
How To Learn The Plant Growth Stages: Photo examples with annual, perennial & biennial growth stages
One of the most useful things I ever learned about plants is how to observe the stages of plant growth. All plants follow the same basic patterns of growth on their way to maturity and this gives us a better way to identify and understand those plants more deeply. The simplest way to describe plant growth is with 4 stages: Germination is when the seed first becomes active and starts the … [Read more...] about How To Learn The Plant Growth Stages: Photo examples with annual, perennial & biennial growth stages
How To Understand Nature (What is nature? 6 ways to SEE it for yourself)
Einstein said, “Look deeply into nature and you will understand everything better.” But what does this really mean? And how is it done on a practical level? Like many people who care about the earth, I’ve often wondered about the role that nature might play in my personal journey to find meaning & satisfaction in life. Throughout history, humans have lived closely to nature, yet … [Read more...] about How To Understand Nature (What is nature? 6 ways to SEE it for yourself)
How To Start Learning About Plants (Plant basics & steps for ID)
When I first started learning about plants, I loved the idea of foraging for wild foods while helping to appreciate and understand nature on a much deeper level. But as you may have noticed, plants can also be incredibly intimidating! In fact, it’s perfectly normal for every new plant lover to occasionally experience that mixture of awe & confusion when faced with the great wall of … [Read more...] about How To Start Learning About Plants (Plant basics & steps for ID)
Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
Forests are awe inspiring habitats, don’t you think? Stepping into a forest is like stepping into an entire world of unique plants, trees & animals all co-existing together in sensitive ecological relationships. For this reason, forests make major contributions to our earth’s overall species, and it’s fascinating to understand why forests have such high biodiversity. Biodiversity is … [Read more...] about Why Do Forests Have High Biodiversity?
How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)
Everyone knows that plants play an important role for the survival of wild animals by providing essential food and shelter. What’s less obvious is that animals also help plants in crucial ways that form a sensitive and beautiful symbiotic relationship. Animals help plants pollinate their flowers and spread seeds. Their droppings fertilize the soil, while grazing & browsing animals help … [Read more...] about How Do Animals Help Plants? (4 symbiotic interactions)