Spotted Jewelweed

by Crystal Cockman September 27, 2016 One interesting and beautiful plant you may have commonly seen before along a river or creek, sometimes in great number, is spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). You may be more familiar with another of it’s names –...

Trying, Tangled Fieldwork

September 20, 2016 by Crystal Cockman I sit here at my desk after spending last Friday in the woods nursing the scratches on my arms from some fieldwork adventures. My little niece was sweet enough to put Neosporin on them over the weekend, and I’m sure in a few days...

Tree Farms

by Ruth Ann Grissom September 14, 2016 The “typical” Piedmont farm probably brings to mind an image of rolling fields and pastures bordered by narrow bands of hardwood trees, for the poetic among us, perhaps even the muted hues of cornstubbled fields or the vibrant...

Wind in the Willows

by Crystal Cockman September 7, 2016 There is much myth and legend around willow trees, as well as several interesting facts. Weeping willows are graceful in appearance, with long narrow leaves and limbs that droop from the tree trunk. They are sometimes associated...

Nature Photography

By Crystal Cockman August 23,2016 I am a very amateur nature photographer, but I’ve been able to get some pretty good shots thanks to the fact that I spend a lot of time outdoors and I’ve got some decent cameras, and a lot of patience. I’d like to share just a few of...