Blog RSS

Remembering Ellen Hutchins on the 205th anniversary of her death. 

Read more

Deadly Appetites     This Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) with an old lock and chain that had been left around its trunk.     This tree has already been given its death sentence. The chain left around its trunk is being engulfed by the tree, but upon being embedded into the bark it will eventually cut off the flow of water and nutrients above the chain.       Though the subject of many a tree meme, the item, whether a chain or a fence, is not "being eaten" by the tree, but rather the tree is continuing to grow...

Read more

Ever wonder what these holes may be? Sapsuckers are the most likely culprit. 

Read more

  Tree Carving:    A common practice meant to be a visible statement of your love for each other is not as innocent as you may have thought. I took this photo of some Beech (Fagus spp.) trees in the New York Botanical Garden last fall. In front them a plaque reads:“Carving Harms Trees… Trees are living things and their bark is like our skin. Though it may seem harmless, carving into the bark damages the tree’s defensive barrier, creating openings for deadly infections and pest infestations. Very deep cuts can even damage the xylem and phloem, plant tissues that transport water...

Read more

  I attended a lecture on oysters at the Brooklyn Historical Society yesterday evening! It was great to see just how much work is being put into replenishing our local population, as well as how important these bivalves are to the health of New York City's waters.    I definitely want to direct you to check out the speakers who joined in on the discussion, which was mediated by the VP for Curatorial Affairs at Brooklyn Historical Society, Julie Golia.    Ann Fraioli, is the Director of Education for the Billion Oyster Project. They hope to meet their goal of...

Read more