The subject of pine cones, line everything else that I write about, is not as simple as it seems. Pine cones are the reproductive structures of conifer plants. Cedars, firs, cypresses, redwoods, and pine trees are all conifers or “cone bearing”. Pine cones come in all shapes and sizes, but their function is always the […]
Bramble Bushes Bramble bushes are any thorny, prickly, shrub type bush. The generic name includes ornamental bushes such as roses, unwanted undergrowth, blackberries, raspberries, and dewberries. Subfamily – Rosoideae Family – Rosaceae Kingdom – Plantae Order – Rosales Scientific name – Rubus Higher classification – Rose family
If you live in Northern Virginia, you know that last year (2018) was probably one of the wettest we have had in years. As a result, fungi proliferated in the forest. I became fascinated with fungi. During the week, I hike many of the same trails frequently after work, and each day, I’d see a […]
Spring is here and we couldn’t be happier! The forest is coming to life as any snow melts and the temperatures rise. If you know where to go, every year you can see a spectacular bloom of Virginia Bluebells. Or maybe you are out and by luck you find a patch of Virginia Bluebells. […]
Ramps are one of the first green signs of spring that appear in shady areas of the woods. Their official name is Allium tricoccum. They usually grow in patches under trees. One article stated that they grow in higher elevations in Eastern North America, but I am at sea level, and there are plenty of ramps. […]
One thing is certain, no matter where you are in the woods, you’re never really alone. It may seem like there isn’t any animal life around, but if you look closely, you can always find some tracks, scat, or remnants of nuts etc. that were eaten. With beavers, when they are active, it’s pretty obvious. […]