Nature

Potholes, Kettles, and Ponds, Oh My!

It started out as a matter of curiosity. But it ended up being an adventure. Ever since the creation of the McFarlane hiking trail, we have enjoyed an occasional hike around the field within sight of the fascinating and historic Zenda Farms.

Volume 17, Issue 3, March 2022
Patty Mondore

All That Glitters Isn’t Green

I never would have imagined that glitter could be a pollutant of concern. At my age, I need glasses to find a postage stamp – it’s a long shot that I could help pick up glitter.

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
Paul Hetzler

A Kingfisher Tale

One day we received a call from Kit Chubb. She had just received a clutch of seven kingfisher fledglings. They had been rescued from a deserted nest tunnel. It had been wrecked by road construction work along the high sandy road bank.

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
Ralph Boston

Probably Good News – Coopers Hawk

Did you know that many states and federal governments in North America passed legislation protecting birds of prey? Author Gerry Smith will explain . . .

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
Sherri Leigh Smith

Swan Song

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw two large white UFOs, flying along the shoreline. I listened carefully and, sure enough, I heard that familiar whistling sound. I pulled out my camera and wildly aimed . . .

Volume 17, Issue 2, February 2022
Patty Mondore

The Mutants Have Landed

The marmorkreb, a.k.a. marbled crayfish, is a destructive new species that first appeared in aquariums in Germany. . . They are here now, and your help scouting for them is both invaluable and essential.

Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022
Paul Hetzler

Snowy Owls are back again!

An active bird watcher in the North County reasonably expects to see several Snowies each winter - why? It involves climate change.

Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022
Sherri Leigh Smith

Conserving Island Number Nine

Local property owners understand the importance of conserving Island Number Nine and the impact that the Island has on the ecological and fiscal health of the area.

Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022
Spencer Busler

Lips and Walls: Digging into Tree Decay

Did you know that trees have an early-warning system? Apparently, they can signal one another about what type of pest has arrived on the scene . . .

Volume 16, Issue 12, December 2021
Paul Hetzler

All About Pumpkins!

In 1900, the world record was 400 pounds. By 1990, it was up to 816 lbs, but that wouldn’t even get you in the door these days – you need a 2,000-pound entry . . .

Volume 16, Issue 11, November 2021
Paul Hetzler

Extinction is forever . . . Extirpation* is for ?

When we think of animal extinction, we may consider the recent US Fish and Wildlife Service announcement removing 27 species from the endangered species list by declaring them extinct throughout their range.

Volume 16, Issue 11, November 2021
Sherri Leigh Smith

TIA's Busy Year

Thousand Islands Association (TIA): shoal Marking, Fishing Line Recycling Stations, Trash Free River Clean up day, and "River Talk" . . . a very busy year.

Volume 16, Issue 11, November 2021
Janet Smith Staples

Explore the Indian River Lakes Conservancy (IRLC)

Known collectively as the Indian River Lakes system, these bodies of water have an important ecological purpose. The system serves as a watershed for the Oswegatchie River, which flows north from the Adirondack Mountains to the St. Lawrence River. . .

Volume 16, Issue 11, November 2021
Wayne C. Strauss

Giving Chase: Shipwatching on the St. Lawrence

Ships interest people for various reasons. There are those drawn to their technical features, or their economic role, or in the cargoes they carry . . .

Volume 16, Issue 10, October 2021
Craig I. Stevenson

Not exactly your grandfather’s Peregrine

The Peregrine Falcon has benefited the most, in certain regions, from the efforts of human hands . . .

Volume 16, Issue 10, October 2021
Sherri Leigh Smith

Anarchy Is Bad for Picnics . . . All About Wasps

All summer long, yellowjacket workers are busy with good deeds like pollinating flowers and killing deer flies, tent caterpillars, and beetle larvae to feed the colony. But once Queen Mum expires,

Volume 16, Issue 9, September 2021
Paul Hetzler

Good News in Conservation Effort for “Living Fossil” Fish

Recent milestones for lake sturgeon conservation in New York and Ontario waters have generated new excitement and support for sturgeon research, stocking efforts, and educational outreach . . .

Volume 16, Issue 9, September 2021
Kara Lynn Dunn

Enhancing Blind Bay - A Project for our Local Fisheries & Wildlife

Prior to restoration, invasive hybrid cattails overwhelmed the marshes between Sand Bay and Blind Bay.

Volume 16, Issue 9, September 2021
Jake Tibbles