Darn that Punxsutawney Phil! More winter to come; maybe he’s to blame for the national mid-February cold-snow-ice wave! I haven’t been out on the trails at Hoyt for more than a week, which is fairly unusual for me. But it’s a great excuse to do a little research and share what I know about winter … Read more
These mornings when I start out on the trail, the air seems fresher. Spring is on the way even with the recent snow! But, regardless of the forecast, it’s time to see the Hoyt Arboretum’s Winter Garden. I’m so impressed with the thought that went into both the location of the Winter Garden – where … Read more
I spend a lot of time at Hoyt Arboretum regardless of the season. In non-pandemic times, I volunteer as a naturalist, taking elementary school students on hikes to teach them about the Arboretum and the cool trees and plants found here. Outside of the school season, I hike and jog on the trails. I’m not … Read more
I love seeing the golden colors of conifers in the fall. But aren’t conifers evergreen? Most conifers are evergreen, but a few species go for the gold in the fall. Like most broad-leaf trees, they are deciduous. That is, they drop their leaves every winter. This adaptation helps the trees survive the freezing cold of … Read more
Spring has arrived in Portland, when new blooms seem to be appearing daily. Not to be left behind, winged creatures have been quick to follow. Leaving a window propped open while typing the day away in productive bliss may reward the patient with cheery chirps, trills, and melodic whistles — a comfortable springtime soundtrack to … Read more