High 26, Partly cloudy
Apparently I have been too busy watching the juncos pecking at the seed scattered below my feeder because I missed the announcement on Dec. 18th that president-elect Barak Obama has appointed Jane Lubchenco to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. My congratulations to Dr. Lubchenco!
Jane Lubchenco is a Distinguished Professor of Zoology at Oregon State University. She is an inspiring teacher and advisor to graduate students (two brilliant friends of mine worked closely with her during their graduate studies), and she is a world-renowned environmental scientist and marine biologist. Dr. Lubchenco's work focuses on sustainability issues regarding marine systems and the impact humans have on their surroundings, but her work is broad and interdisciplinary, which makes it more difficult and more valuable.
Dr. Lubchenco's work is well-known by ecologists and environmental scientists, and her honors are diverse and prestigious. For a more thorough biography, please check out her page at OSU.
What I think is the most important piece of Dr. Lubchenco's work is her advocacy for scientists to step out of the lab and into public discussions. Many scientists become scientists because they are curious about parts of the world around them. They love what they study, and many love talking about it with other people in their field. But too few scientists get involved in the bigger discussions about climate change, alternative energy, public policy and other issues on "Main Street". Many scientists either get so interested in their work that they ignore how their piece fits into the whole, or they just don't want to bother with the whole.
If you've ever hung around Bomb's Away at 5pm on a Friday in Corvallis (Oregon, sorry New England), you know that scientists can be a social, lively, spirited bunch. Gone are the days of the scientist sociopath! We can certainly talk to eachother, so let's talk to others. Some scientists I know already do that kind of thing. One friend in Canada spoke about climate change at a gathering in his small town. Another friend works to educate young people and the public about invasive species in Massachusetts. That's kind of what this blog is about-documenting the natural world and sharing it with everyone.
As a tribute to Dr. Lubchenco, I will post a link to this blog in Facebook. If you're reading this, you are getting involved.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Environmentally Friendly Holidays
High 32, Cloudy and Snowing
Hanukkah begins at sundown, the winter solstice occurred at 0704 this morning, and Christmas is on Thursday. I celebrate the solstice with friends and Christmas with my family, so I know I am a little late in posting a holiday tip. But, here goes. You might be waiting for the last minute to wrap presents like me, or you might have to pack this tip away for use next holiday (or birthday, for that matter).
When looking for wrapping paper, don't forget to check the thrift stores. Some folks just don't want to use the same pattern of wrapping paper two years in a row, so they discard half rolls and such. This is great for those of us who want to reuse. We can snatch up those partially used rolls for cheap! And sometimes you can find really hip vintage patterns.
Hanukkah begins at sundown, the winter solstice occurred at 0704 this morning, and Christmas is on Thursday. I celebrate the solstice with friends and Christmas with my family, so I know I am a little late in posting a holiday tip. But, here goes. You might be waiting for the last minute to wrap presents like me, or you might have to pack this tip away for use next holiday (or birthday, for that matter).
When looking for wrapping paper, don't forget to check the thrift stores. Some folks just don't want to use the same pattern of wrapping paper two years in a row, so they discard half rolls and such. This is great for those of us who want to reuse. We can snatch up those partially used rolls for cheap! And sometimes you can find really hip vintage patterns.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Snow, but not a snow day
High 37, cloudy and drizzling
The ice storm that came through the other day hit the hilltowns and even parts of the valley really hard. There are still many families without power. I am surprised how localized the storm was. We had very warm temperatures the day after the ice, and then it has remained in the 30s, which feels mild.
A couple of inches of snow fell last night. The sticky kind. I am glad I shovelled because the drizzle that's falling now is going to make it that much heavier.
The ice storm that came through the other day hit the hilltowns and even parts of the valley really hard. There are still many families without power. I am surprised how localized the storm was. We had very warm temperatures the day after the ice, and then it has remained in the 30s, which feels mild.
A couple of inches of snow fell last night. The sticky kind. I am glad I shovelled because the drizzle that's falling now is going to make it that much heavier.
Friday, December 12, 2008
After the storm
High 36, mostly cloudy
The ice storm that came last night was mild in the Easthampton area, but left the hilltowns and the northern Pioneer Valley with a thick glaze and no power. By noon, the ice had melted off the branches in downtown Easthampton. Mountain Road stayed open throughout the storm and was safe at 10 am when I drove to work.
Ice storms in New England play an important role in shaping the natural landscape and increasing the biodiversity of the forests. These storms are common in our area, and more dramatic and frequent in the higher elevations and in northern New England. The effect is fallen trees and broken tree limbs, both of which allow light to reach the forest floor. The openings are opportunities for herbaceous plants and for pioneer trees like White Pine (Pinus strobus) to exploit. Finally, they get their chance! The seeds that have been dormant for years can sprout, and the new plants can grow (and sometimes become a source of reachable browse for deer and other animals).
I went for a very short hike in the Dwyer Conservation Area this afternoon. I forgot that there was a flood warning for this area, and when I got to the trail head I saw that sure enough, the Manhan River had swelled. I could walk no further than to the first bench. The water was almost over the high banks here. If we get more water, the river will surely spill out onto the floodplain.
[caption id="attachment_24" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="High water at the Dwyer Conservation Area"]
[/caption]
From the banks I thought about how fun it might be to kayak in these high waters. When the rivers are flooded, you can float over fields and through people's backyards; you can go places you could never go otherwise. But a second look at the water told me that kayaking the Manhan today might not be such a good idea. Strange eddies and odd currents made the water look unpredictable, wild and mysterious. Maybe even dangerous! I've fallen in the Manhan in November, and that's an experience I don't want to relive. I'll wait till spring and watch from the bench.
[caption id="attachment_25" align="alignnone" width="418" caption="View from the bench"]
[/caption]
The ice storm that came last night was mild in the Easthampton area, but left the hilltowns and the northern Pioneer Valley with a thick glaze and no power. By noon, the ice had melted off the branches in downtown Easthampton. Mountain Road stayed open throughout the storm and was safe at 10 am when I drove to work.
Ice storms in New England play an important role in shaping the natural landscape and increasing the biodiversity of the forests. These storms are common in our area, and more dramatic and frequent in the higher elevations and in northern New England. The effect is fallen trees and broken tree limbs, both of which allow light to reach the forest floor. The openings are opportunities for herbaceous plants and for pioneer trees like White Pine (Pinus strobus) to exploit. Finally, they get their chance! The seeds that have been dormant for years can sprout, and the new plants can grow (and sometimes become a source of reachable browse for deer and other animals).
I went for a very short hike in the Dwyer Conservation Area this afternoon. I forgot that there was a flood warning for this area, and when I got to the trail head I saw that sure enough, the Manhan River had swelled. I could walk no further than to the first bench. The water was almost over the high banks here. If we get more water, the river will surely spill out onto the floodplain.
[caption id="attachment_24" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="High water at the Dwyer Conservation Area"]
[/caption]From the banks I thought about how fun it might be to kayak in these high waters. When the rivers are flooded, you can float over fields and through people's backyards; you can go places you could never go otherwise. But a second look at the water told me that kayaking the Manhan today might not be such a good idea. Strange eddies and odd currents made the water look unpredictable, wild and mysterious. Maybe even dangerous! I've fallen in the Manhan in November, and that's an experience I don't want to relive. I'll wait till spring and watch from the bench.
[caption id="attachment_25" align="alignnone" width="418" caption="View from the bench"]
[/caption]Thursday, December 11, 2008
The ice storm cometh
High 36, rainy
A warm front brought mild temperatures up into the 60s yesterday. The rain that came with the warmth and the air felt like spring, but a hesitant spring. Everyone could tell that the warm weather wouldn't last, and that a drop in temperature was on the way. That brings us to today. While much colder, it hasn't gotten to the freezing point. Yet. Ice is expected later, when the temperatures dip even further.
A warm front brought mild temperatures up into the 60s yesterday. The rain that came with the warmth and the air felt like spring, but a hesitant spring. Everyone could tell that the warm weather wouldn't last, and that a drop in temperature was on the way. That brings us to today. While much colder, it hasn't gotten to the freezing point. Yet. Ice is expected later, when the temperatures dip even further.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
First snow
High 35. Cloudy, light snow.
It began snowing around midnight last night, and we now have almost an inch of snow on the ground. The temperature is above freezing now, so most of the snow on the walkways and roads has melted. Snow flakes are fluttering about in the air, promising what NOAA predicts-more snow this afternoon.
I love the snow, as I love all things that mark the changing seasons. In New England there are those who love the snow, those who hate it, and those who tolerate it. While shovelling is not one of my favorite things to do, sometimes it's fun. I really can't complain about shovelling the short length of sidewalk in front of my house. I am healthy and strong, and there is always a rewarding cup of hot chocolate waiting for me inside.
Then there are the really fun things about the snow. Skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and just strolling along while the flakes fall. Tracking animals is particularly fun and somewhat easy in the snow.
Birds visit my feeders throughout the year, but in winter I get the most joy out of watching them. House finches and gold finches came today, and I saw a junco on the old sunflower stalks in the back yard. I wonder who will be next.
It began snowing around midnight last night, and we now have almost an inch of snow on the ground. The temperature is above freezing now, so most of the snow on the walkways and roads has melted. Snow flakes are fluttering about in the air, promising what NOAA predicts-more snow this afternoon.
I love the snow, as I love all things that mark the changing seasons. In New England there are those who love the snow, those who hate it, and those who tolerate it. While shovelling is not one of my favorite things to do, sometimes it's fun. I really can't complain about shovelling the short length of sidewalk in front of my house. I am healthy and strong, and there is always a rewarding cup of hot chocolate waiting for me inside.
Then there are the really fun things about the snow. Skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and just strolling along while the flakes fall. Tracking animals is particularly fun and somewhat easy in the snow.
Birds visit my feeders throughout the year, but in winter I get the most joy out of watching them. House finches and gold finches came today, and I saw a junco on the old sunflower stalks in the back yard. I wonder who will be next.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Twilight
40 degrees- Cloudy
The clouds have made it feel like twilight for most of the day. It is humid for December, with light showers and drizzle. The mild weather meant that I didn't have to scrape my windshield this morning, as I have in the recent weeks. There was, however, a layer of ice on Perfume Pond when I drove past at 7am on my way to work. In the afternoon, the ice was gone and a haze on the surface of the water had taken its place.
In the garden, most of my perennial herbs have succumbed to the frosts of early winter. The peppermint and spearmint are almost all brown, while there is still a bit of herbage on the thyme and oregano. I would prefer not to dig them up and bring them inside, but I am starting to get the feeling that I should do it so I can enjoy them throughout the cold months. It won't be long until the first accumulation of snow- the NOAA website predicts snow showers this weekend.
As this semester winds down, I will get my camera out when I go for my walks and hikes. Stay tuned for pictures of winter!
The clouds have made it feel like twilight for most of the day. It is humid for December, with light showers and drizzle. The mild weather meant that I didn't have to scrape my windshield this morning, as I have in the recent weeks. There was, however, a layer of ice on Perfume Pond when I drove past at 7am on my way to work. In the afternoon, the ice was gone and a haze on the surface of the water had taken its place.
In the garden, most of my perennial herbs have succumbed to the frosts of early winter. The peppermint and spearmint are almost all brown, while there is still a bit of herbage on the thyme and oregano. I would prefer not to dig them up and bring them inside, but I am starting to get the feeling that I should do it so I can enjoy them throughout the cold months. It won't be long until the first accumulation of snow- the NOAA website predicts snow showers this weekend.
As this semester winds down, I will get my camera out when I go for my walks and hikes. Stay tuned for pictures of winter!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Welcome!
High 44 - Sunny
As the geese fly diagonally across the sky and the world around me begins to freeze up, a candle is lit somewhere in my mind. I begin to search within for some way to express myself and put out into the world all the ideas that have been building up during the warmer months. Those were the months when the leaves burst out of their buds, swollen with snowmelt that diluted them to a bright baby green. And those were the months when I could sit by a swimming hole with my sister and watch the hay be mown in the nearby fields in towns like Conway and Sunderland and Montague. And those were the months when tomatoes (although less plentiful than last year) dominated my kitchen and my thoughts.
The aim of this blog is to document and describe the natural world of Western Massachusetts, specifically the Easthampton area. I hope you will enjoy watching the seasons change with me.
As the geese fly diagonally across the sky and the world around me begins to freeze up, a candle is lit somewhere in my mind. I begin to search within for some way to express myself and put out into the world all the ideas that have been building up during the warmer months. Those were the months when the leaves burst out of their buds, swollen with snowmelt that diluted them to a bright baby green. And those were the months when I could sit by a swimming hole with my sister and watch the hay be mown in the nearby fields in towns like Conway and Sunderland and Montague. And those were the months when tomatoes (although less plentiful than last year) dominated my kitchen and my thoughts.
The aim of this blog is to document and describe the natural world of Western Massachusetts, specifically the Easthampton area. I hope you will enjoy watching the seasons change with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)