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Beech Leaf Disease is Coming Your Way

By: Melissa Reckner, Penguin Court Program Manager

Beech Leaf Disease—caused by an emergent species of microscopic nematode—is wreaking havoc on beech (Fagus spp.) trees, which are ecologically and aesthetically important trees across the eastern US and Canada. In the blog below, Brandywine’s Penguin Court Program Manager, Melissa Reckner, shares her firsthand experience, including how to spot the signs and the importance of raising awareness for this disease with no known cure.

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The Forgotten Pollinators: How You Can Help Save Endangered Moths

By: Sam Scarfone, Land Stewardship Intern
If you have a flower garden or just enjoy looking at the wildflowers that spring up every year, you’re probably familiar with the flashy pollinators hopping from flower to flower. But they are not the only pollinators crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. At night, when bees are asleep and butterflies are roosting, their pale moth cousins punch into their shift.
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Invasive Species Spotlight: An Update on the Spotted Lanternfly

By: Jillian Pyle, Easement Steward
In 2020 alone, the spotted lanternfly have spread to 12 new counties, bringing the total to 26 Pennsylvania counties. Spotted lanternfly have also crossed state lines making their way into Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
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Reared vs Wild Monarchs

By: Melissa Reckner, Penguin Court Program Manager
Monarchs are symbolic in their flight and fight for survival against habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. Some people raise monarchs in the hopes of helping their populations, but is that causing more harm than good?
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Ashes, ashes don’t all fall down

By: Susan Charkes, Easement Steward
While the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has devastated ash tree populations, a recent research study by forest scientists at Michigan State University found numerous white ash trees that had survived the EAB infestation that began in the early 2000s.
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DIY Bees & Butterflies

By: Melissa Reckner, Penguin Court Program Manager
Toilet paper tubes can be repurposed for all sorts of crafts and hours of creativity. In this fun activity, take some inspiration from our summer pollinators and make your own DIY bees and butterflies using recycled toilet paper tubes.
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