On a cold winter day, it’s easy to think of the landscape as frozen, silent, and asleep. Snow covers our fields and forests, trails crunch underfoot, and most signs of life seem to disappear. But just beneath that snowy surface exists a hidden world, and this world is very much alive. ...

Snow. While it’s still early in the winter, here in Chautauqua County we are already feeling the freeze. The world has been blanketed with white, and it seems like that blanket is here to stay. While the snow does cause some inconveniences for us humans, for many animals it is one of ...

The seasons are changing from fall to winter, and one of the major changes to the environment is that the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Evergreen trees may still have green needles, but all the maples, oaks, and more are now bare. Although the world may be quiet, the trees are not ...

Every November 17, outdoor enthusiasts across the country lace up their boots for National Take a Hike Day—a perfect excuse to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the landscapes that sustain us. It’s a celebration of the outdoors and a reminder of the mental and ...

With Halloween just passed, many households leave their pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns outside for the remainder of the fall season. Watching a jack-o-lantern sag at our doorstep can be unsightly, a reminder of past costumes and trick or treaters. If we shift our mindset to one of curiosity, this ...

For centuries, aquatic plants in Chautauqua Lake have sparked debate – usually over whether to remove them or leave them alone, but rarely about planting more. Many lake users believe there are already too many plants, especially invasive ones, a perception not without reason given the ...