by Shaila Palamand, PWL Member This month, we’re highlighting the Onalaska Community Garden, one of the projects in the PWL chapter’s Pollinator Garden program. Located at the Heritage Mill House, the site hosts a combined pollinator garden, monarch waystation and vegetable garden. The garden was first created over 10 years ago by an employee at…
Let’s Talk Turkey
by Sharon Hanzik, PWL Member The turkey I’m talking about is the North American Wild Turkey. However this article will contain a reference to the country of the same name. What is in a name? The Latin name for turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, contains no intricate breakdown of its etymology. It simply means guinea fowl or…
Help the Monarchs Migrate
by Jennifer Trandell, PWL Member The incredible 3000-mile North American journey of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) happens twice a year. In spring, as the weather warms, the roosting butterflies of Mexico spread their wings to fly north to Canada. As soon as springtime milkweed plants are available for depositing eggs, mating begins. It will…
Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program
Monofilament, the type of fishing line made of a single strand of plastic (versus multi-strand or braided fishing line), was introduced in the late 1930s and quickly became a popular choice for bass anglers. It’s relatively inexpensive, less visible underwater, and more flexible than multi-strand lines. On the downside, monofilament line purchased in 1930 would…
2024 Audubon Christmas Bird Count
by Beth Miller, PWLTMN Member Twelve Piney Wood Lakes Texas Master Naturalists (PWLTMN), with two guest Master Naturalists from Galveston Bay Area Chapter became six teams participating in the 125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in Polk County on Sunday, December 15. The potential of rare bird sightings, witnessing unusual behaviors, constant challenge of playing…
The Sensational Salamander
by Shaila Palamand, PWLTMN Member For many centuries, salamanders were regarded as mystical and mysterious creatures. Greek philosopher Aristotle described the salamander as having a “mastery of fire”, believing it to be impervious to fire and even able to extinguish flames, while his successor Theophrastus called the salamander “a lizard whose emergence is a sign…
Invasive Species and Their Impact
by Bee Harris, PWLTMN Member As master naturalists, it’s important to understand the term invasive species and what it encompasses. While researching the term, I came across The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) (USDA, 2006 – present) definition: Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other living organisms (e.g., microbes). 1) non-native (or alien)…