Conservancy Blog

Conservancy Blog

Glenolden Christmas Bird Count at the Waterloo Mills Preserve

The 99th Glenolden Christmas Bird Count in Delaware County, part of the 119th Audubon Christmas Bird Count, will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018. This year marks the tenth time Brandywine Conservancy staff has participated in the count on the Waterloo Mills Preserve.
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Invasive Species Spotlight: Southern Pine Beetle—an emerging threat to pines?

The southern pine beetle’s (SPB) diminutive size belies the lethal impact embodied in its scientific name: Dendroctonus (“Tree-killer”) frontalis. It is “the most destructive pest of pine in the southern United States.” While not what we usually classify as an “invasive” species (exotic plants or animals imported far from their native range), the southern pine beetle’s increasing threat to our pine woods makes it worth our attention.
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3 Tricks for Turning your Halloween Pumpkin “Green”

Crisp mornings, pumpkin spice offerings and changing leaves let us know that Fall is upon us and with it, Halloween.  According to the Halloween Industry Association, 49.2% of Americans decorate for Halloween and nearly as many carve pumpkins.  Over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are used...

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September Spectacle: Broad-winged Hawk Migration

September brings shorter and cooler days as we approach the fall equinox. During this month a migratory spectacle takes place in our skies.  Broad-winged hawks flock together in impressive numbers consisting of tens to thousands of individual birds as they fly south to their wintering...

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Invasive Species Spotlight: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, may not be one of the most well-known invasive species in our area, but this supersized plant has recently been in the spotlight for its potentially dangerous side effects. Giant hogweed produces a sap that makes human skin sensitive to sunlight, causing serious burns and blistering.
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