Partridgeberry is a small green vine that grows on the forest floor of eastern north america. Not many people know this plant, but it can be quite common and has an edible berry which is great for survival situations and as a quick hiking snack. So today let’s wander into the world of partridgeberry with everything from identification and edible qualities to growing locations & … [Read more...] about All About Partridgeberry: An Edible Groundcover Forest Vine
Naturalist Training Articles
Easy Winter Tree Identification: Birch, Oak, Beech & Maple
Tree identification can be very challenging in winter, but some trees are much easier than others to start with. So let’s look at 4 common trees that are also some of the easiest to identify in winter. It’s all here in the following video: For the video mentioned at the end: Go check out How To Read The Secrets Of A Forest You can also read below for more details on how to identify … [Read more...] about Easy Winter Tree Identification: Birch, Oak, Beech & Maple
How To Make Wintergreen Tea: Plant ID & Video Demonstration
Wintergreen is one of my favorite wild edibles to share with beginners of plant foraging. Whenever I see this common little shrub growing in the woods, I can’t help but grab a leaf and tear it open to get that beautiful minty wintergreen scent. Wintergreen is a great way to get started with learning about plants because it’s super delicious and there are some unmistakable identification … [Read more...] about How To Make Wintergreen Tea: Plant ID & Video Demonstration
8 Differences Between Red & Gray Squirrels (Photos, ID & Behavior)
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)
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)