Breaking News

Nature

Winter Exposes Troubled Trees, Bark

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 dead, and even without leaves the bark provides a home for all sorts of living things. Bark is the outer covering of a tree, and just like our skin it protects the tree from infection and disease. Similar to skin, bark is composed of different layers, but the outermost one that you usually see is ...

Celebrate Take A Hike Day With The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy

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 ...

Post-Halloween Pumpkins Serve A Purpose

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 ...

Restoring Balance Beneath The Surface

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 ...

The Animals Tied To Halloween

Fall is in full swing now and it is a treat. Leaves turn from green into bright reds, oranges, and yellows before falling to the ground, leaving the most satisfying crunch when stepped on. A unique seasonal smell of burning wood and spices fills the air. As the trees become bare, a holiday ...

Let’s Talk About Trees

This might be a little controversial, but it’s been on my mind for a while. I was recently sitting in my backyard with my friend Mackenzie beneath the coverage of the 200+ trees that surround my home. We started talking about invasive trees, and I found myself asking her a question I’ve ...