September 29

Mushroom Phenomenon

Mushrooms seem to appear overnight in the woodlands (and disappear as quickly), especially during fall months. What do you notice? Pause, linger and look a little closer, as you walk the trail with me.



Did you notice they are growing in clusters? Why?

Web-like strands of mycelium grow underground in search of nutrient-rich decomposing sources. When this organic material is found and conditions are right, mushrooms are produced from a common base. Oyster mushrooms are a well-known cluster species.

Nature is found in urban spaces too. I found cluster mushrooms growing in front of an apartment building on a busy street.

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September 24

Cocoon and Chrysalis

I’ve posted many caterpillar finds, but discovering a caterpillar moving into the pupal stage was a rare and special moment. It carved a cradle out of the leaf and then pulled up its blanket.


Do you know the difference between a cocoon and chrysalis? A moth forms a cocoon by wrapping silk around itself, usually in a sheltered area. Whereas a butterfly forms a hard chrysalis often hanging from a plant from exoskeleton material.

A couple of years ago, I happened upon a butterfly that had just broken free of its chrysalis.

Who do you think made this one?

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September 22

Flower Gardens

Although my yard is on the edge of woodlands, I do my best to grow a garden. Because of the amount of shade, the poor clay soil, and hot summers, I find shade-loving native perennials are the most successful. My dream is to have a cutting garden.

The center of flowers holds astonishing beauty, shapes, patterns, and symmetry! Enjoy some of my latest captures and the last blooms of summer! Let’s find the extraordinary in the ordinary.


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I found this near a community garden and love the sentiment!

If you live in the Atlanta area, check out the wagon@bethanybend.

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Category: Reading, Science | 1 Comment on Flower Gardens
September 18

Katydid

Zoom in to view a rainbow of colors. The meadow katydid is striking!

Katydids are related to grasshoppers and crickets. Long thread-like antennae are an identifying characteristic. Their voices are some of the loudest in the summer symphony.  Read more and listen to its song.

Maybe someone should write a children’s book about how the katydid became so colorful.

Another katydid species:

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September 10

Rain Barrels

We had a problem with water flowing correctly through our gutters and determined that a solution might be found with a rain barrel. Why a rain barrel? Rainwater is a free resource and I’m already watering my garden with the water I’ve collected. Plants will thrive because rainwater is filled with micronutrients and doesn’t contain chemicals, like fluoride and chlorine. Also, the stormwater running into waterways is decreased, thereby reducing erosion.

“These benefits make rain barrels an effective tool for both environmental sustainability and water resource management.” Plus, our gutters are no longer overflowing!

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Category: All About Mrs. Bright, Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
September 8

Southern Flannel Caterpillar – Watch Out!

I was headed to my car at the end of my greenway walk when I spotted a caterpillar that I hadn’t seen before crawling on a railing. A little research confirmed my suspicion that I had encountered a Southern flannel caterpillar, also known as an asp or puss caterpillar, because it resembles a Persian cat. Although it looks like a fluff ball, do not touch because its hollow spines are filled with venom and contact can result in severe pain, as well as other serious reactions. It is usually found in wooded areas near oak and elm trees, often in late summer or early fall. Fortunately, the adult moth is harmless.

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