Welcome back to HabiChat!
Spring has sprung, HabiChatters! And like the noble mushroom, we emerge from our winter dormancy ready to transform our world. A guest writer joins us this spring to show off some hard work for native plants in a schoolyard garden - check out Wild Acres In Action. Plus, our regular authors have provided a Native Animal Profile on red-winged blackbirds, a deep delve into plant communication, and an article featuring our state entomologist.
If you read one thing in this issue, keep this Habitat Tip in mind: despite our mammalian urge to cleanse away the detritus of the winter, let’s remember this year not to purge our garden beds right away. Wait until daytime temperatures are 50* F for several days in a row so that our native insects may complete their winter dormancy in peace.
Mushrooms by Zaphir Shamma, DNR Photo Contest 2020.
In This Issue:
Native Animal Profile: Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged blackbirds are not rare, but they certainly are beautiful!Chances are you have spotted them many times or heard their call, “Conk-la-REE!”
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Wild Acres in Action: A Local Outdoor Classroom
Recently we received this correspondence from a Master Naturalist working in Silver Spring at a Middle School, and we wanted to share his inspiring words of wisdom. Thanks Mitch Greene, and keep up the great work caring for Maryland’s wildlife!
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Natural Heritage Program Spotlight: Max Ferlauto, State Entomologist
The arrival of spring for many wild animals and plants means emerging from a period of quiet and slumber - but that is not true for the small staff of the Natural Heritage Program. Max Ferlauto, state entomologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides some insights into his work with insects and spiders, which like the creatures themselves is interwoven with (and often dependent upon) the native plants and backyard habitats we encourage in the Wild Acres program.
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Leaf Language and Root Words: How Plants Communicate
The human world is so fraught with communication it can feel overwhelming at times. Getting out into nature can be a relief for those of us looking for some peace and quiet. Although the forests, rivers, mountains, or dunes may feel tranquil and devoid of chatter, a barely perceived symphony of plant communication lies just on the edge of human understanding.
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You can also
Download and Read the Entire Issue Offline
We want to hear from you!
Letters, e-mail, photos, drawings. Let us know how successful you are as you create wildlife habitat on your property.
Write to Me!
Sarah Witcher
Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401
Sarah.Witcher1@maryland.gov
410-260-8566
 | Habichat, the newsletter for Maryland's Stewards of Backyard Wildlife, is published by the Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or physical or mental disability. This document is available in alternative format upon request. |
