Stellar Monarch Tagging Season at VINS
By Jim Armbruster Seasonal Environmental Educator As the leaves begin to change color, the days grow shorter, and the temperatures get colder, monarchs are still on the move south. During a short break from the rain, on a nice sunny day, we at VINS tagged our last seven butterflies bringing our season total to 74…
VINS and iNaturalist
by Anna AutilioLead Environmental Educator Have you gotten into iNaturalist yet? At VINS, this citizen science project has become a favorite downtime activity for our staff. When someone spots a new wildflower blooming in the meadow, you can see at least a few of us up there with our phones out, taking pictures to document the sighting…
The Yearly Cycle: Vernal Pools
by Anna AutilioEnvironmental Educator Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) One of the most beautiful natural illustrations of the cycle of the year is found in the vernal pool. Often called “ephemeral”, these pools provide crucial, temporary homes for some distinct wild plant and animal species. Filling in the spring and drying in the summer, they track…