Chances are most nature goers will experience the dreaded poison ivy rash at least once in their lifetime. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native plant that is valued by wildlife—humans are one of the few species vulnerable to its “poison.” The easiest way to avoid the painfully itchy reaction is to steer clear of the plant. Learn about a few common look-alike species that are often confused for poison ivy or download a handy field guide to take with you during your next nature walk.
By:
Lillia Schmidt, Land Stewardship Intern, and Susan Charkes, Easement Steward
Butterfly Bush is a surefire attention-grabber. A common sight in our region’s gardens and landscape plantings, its fragrant conical blooms—typically festooned with fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees—are hard to miss. Although eye-catching, hardy, and seemingly helpful to butterflies and other pollinators, Butterfly Bush is far from beneficial; in fact it’s actually an invasive species that can impair the health of our local ecosystems.
By:
Gerald McAdams Kauffman, Director of the University of Delaware Water Resources Center
With the recent stories in The New York Times and on NPR, word is getting out about Brandywine Shad 2020. Learn all about the group's recent progress—and the work that continues—to restore the region’s most historic fish to the Brandywine River in this guest blog written by Gerald McAdams Kauffman, Director of the University of Delaware Water Resources Center.
Rare plants add immeasurable value to our lives and to our plant communities. In Pennsylvania alone, there are hundreds of plant species classified as rare, threatened or endangered, as well as many with similar status in Delaware. Learn about some of the different types of rare plant species in our area, what you can do to care for them and why it’s important to help them thrive.
By:
Melissa Reckner, Penguin Court Program Manager
The textures of nature provide ample supplies for creating unique paint brushes. Turn your next backyard adventure or trail hike into a gathering mission for natural materials that can be used in this fun art project. The end result leads to awesome artwork and hours of...
By:
Melissa Reckner, Penguin Court Program Manager
Most people eagerly acknowledge the first robin of spring, and nearly everyone recognizes the bold blue robin egg, but how much do you know about these birds? The American robin is a classic sign of spring, pulling on earthworms that are surfacing in warming soils; however, did you...