Spring Thru Winter of 2020 on the Homestead

06-12-2020 - Both found in the forests of Western PA, these ferns should complete the list of those found on our property. Let's interrupt them and see what they have been up to.

06-14-2020 - Let's talk trails a minute.

06-09-2020 - Carpenter bees are pretty cool little critter. Let's talk about their little behinds.

06-12-2020 - Now pay attention. It might be on the quiz. ;) Both clovers and wood sorrels are awesome plants, but it's time you started calling them by their correct name.

06-07-2020 - Stopped in to see Bill and Chrissy at their family camp. Thought I would sharpen a chainsaw chain with Bill. He is working on some downed trees on the property. Always good to see some friends.

06-05-2020 - After a few years of not doing this, I'm not sure how I ever did it differently now. Once you know how each of the wood species burns, I suggest you start layering the wood in your wood racks so you get a good mix of woods throughout the winter.

06-07-2020 - I haven't seen this before on a Black Walnut tree, but it looks like Fire Blight... Let's take a look.

06-05-2020 - Come along for the ride. I'm going to attempt to make a firewood jig. First time making it like this. We will see if it works.

06-02-2020 - Around our pond is a plant that looks like a mini version of the cattail until it blooms. Then there is no mistaking it for cattail. Let's take a look at the Yellow Iris.

06-04-2020 - A little known fact is most insects cannot see orange-ish read colors... so let's take a look at how the Orange Hawkweed compensates for this issue.

06-02-2020 - On a walk today I noticed that three plants we already discussed were growing and looking different. Had to stop and take a look at their other side. Revisiting Eastern Hemlock Trees, Skunk Cabbage and Coltsfoot.

05-30-2020 - My brother-in-law Dan stopped over to help me drop a few dead trees in the yard. Let's take a look at the process.

06-02-2020 - Reiki mushrooms are used for throat and cough illnesses and overall for their excellent immune system boost. Also called varnish mushrooms, these guys grow on dead and dying Eastern Hemlock trees in our forest.

05-29-2020 - There are several ferns that grow in Western PA. Let's take a look at a few of them and identify what makes them unique.

05-29-2020 - A good wheelbarrow is essential and they don't seem to make them anymore. Also... why don't they spell it with an "el" at the end?

05-23-2020 - We were outside volunteering when I ran across the perfect menu of plants for a rabbit and then we found a rabbit's den... baby bunnies included.

05-21-2020 - Let's learn about a very well kept secret in the Appalachian Mountains... American Ginseng. What is so amazing about this forest perennial?

05-22-2020 - What looks like an easy nighttime catch for most children is actually a cold-blooded killer in its youth.

05-17-2020 - What makes a scraping sound in dead pine logs? Let's find out.

05-16-2020 - We planted blueberry bushes on the property. Every year we have different challenges with them. Let's take a look at what this year's challenges are shaping up to be.

05-16-2020 - Trout lilies are pretty unique looking flowers found on the forest floor in the bottom lands of Western PA.

05-15-2020 - We had our first set of Hipcampers.

05-14-2020 - It's almost dark. Just listening to nature for a minute before I head inside for the night.

05-13-2020 - Let's take a look at what you can uses wood ashes for on a farm or homestead. There are several uses.

05-14-2020 - Mayapples look like little umbrella plants growing in groups. They are also called Wild Lemons and American Mandrakes. Their "apple" is the only edible part of the plant when it is ripe. Many in our region are prone to a rust fungus that kills the whole colony over time since all the roots are connected.