Tag Archive: nature
Stream Critters – Yellow Lance Mussel
Introduction Can animals that look like rocks and are capable of trickery and bloodsucking have a positive effect on water quality? What if those same animals had common names like
Stream Critters – Marbled Salamander
Introduction Marbled salamanders are marvelous critters. These thin-skinned, cold-blooded salamanders – and frogs and toads – survive winters without coats. That’s amazing. Salamanders can lose a leg or tail and
Stream Critters – Giant Stonefly
Introduction Picture this: an ancient adult stonefly lands on a stegosaurus. The stegosaurus doesn’t notice. The stonefly is looking for a mate, not a huge dinosaur, and it flies away.
Stream Critters
Introduction Eels have mystified people from Aristotle who thought they developed from earthworms to young Sigmund Freud who couldn’t find what makes a male eel a male and who switched
Kemp Mill Shallow Marsh Wetland
Wetlands Provide Ecosystem Services Wetlands are often described as the “kidneys of the landscape.” They help remove pollutants from runoff and moderate the flow of water to mitigate floods and
Cicada Countdown
The Cicadas are Coming! You’ve no doubt heard by now that the periodical cicada Brood X will soon make its above-ground appearance in the local landscape. As the progeny of
Protect Pollinators from Pesticides
What is Pollination? Pollination is a reproductive process in where pollen is transferred from the male part of plant to the female part. This is an essential part of seed
Booze Creek Gets a Face Lift
Nearly 1400 young trees find a new home along Booze Creek As of April 2021, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has completed more than three quarters of the
Fern Fronds Unfurl for Spring
As spring continues its procession, native ferns awaken to the sun and warming earth by unfurling their leaves, called fronds, that emerge from the base of the plant as tightly
Winter starts the new garden year
Gardeners know: when the days start to lengthen, it’s time to get back to the garden. One of the typical garden activities of winter is ordering seeds and plants. Another
How to Safely Apply Salt in the Winter
We are all familiar with the crunch of salt underfoot after a snowstorm in Montgomery County. But where does this salt go after the snow and ice has melted? WhatTaking Nature Black
Taking Nature Black is back and it’s bigger, “badder,” and bolder than ever! TNB 2021 will run for FIVE DAYS, primarily virtually, from Tuesday, February 23rd through Saturday, February 27th,
Backyard birds
Birds are frequent, welcome visitors to backyards year-round. Birds can eat common pests like mosquitoes, mosquito larvae, and grubs. Many songbirds are both visually pretty and have beautiful songs. Bird
Steps to a deeper shade of green
Several years ago, one of my friends told me I was the “greenest person she knew!” Although surprised, my “normal” is apparently not the norm. I am constantly trying to
The Power of Scooping Poop
Have you ever heard of the Poop Fairy? No? Probably because there is no such thing. Pet owners across Montgomery County are responsible for picking up their pet’s waste when
Becoming a Beekeeper
How did I get started? I got interested in beekeeping out of a desire to make a small benefit to our yard and neighborhood. My wife and I have always
No One Wants Trashy Water: Pollution Prevention
What is the Problem? Litter in our communities is detrimental local wildlife as it pollutes streams. Litter can be any piece of trash that is not put into the correct
Monitoring Montgomery County’s Streams
Did you know that September 18th is World Water Monitoring Day? Since 1995 Montgomery County has maintained a stream monitoring program. As a result, the program has tracked water quality
Maintenance and Inspection of Stormwater Best Management Practices
Did you know there are more than 17,000 Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Montgomery County? These stormwater BMPs protect rivers, streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay! Stormwater BMPs are
Artistic Messages of Consciousness, Community, and Clean Water
If you look closely, you will find many beautifully painted storm drains across Montgomery County with messages highlighting the importance of clean water and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. These designs
Explore County’s water quality restoration work through interactive map and learn ways to save money!
This past June, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) developed an interactive web map with dynamic infographics. The interactive map displays the County’s restoration efforts that have taken
Streams of Consciousness: Knowing Where Our Stormwater Goes
Many storm drains in Montgomery County lead straight to streams, which then feed into larger streams and rivers and eventually lead to the Chesapeake Bay. We pass these storm drains
Clean Water Art Contest Winners!
Every year we host an art contest to help us with educating Montgomery County residents on the importance of protecting our communities and local waters – our rivers and streams.
Meet the insects that benefit your lawn and garden
While some insects found in lawns and gardens are consider pests, many insects, and other bugs are beneficial. Three major types of beneficial garden and lawn bugs are pollinators, parasitoids
Get to know the reptiles and amphibians in your backyard
Yards and lawns can be home to many different types of animals. Birds, squirrels and rabbits are familiar visitors to yards, but many reptile and amphibian species can also be
Plan Now for Garden Success
With the holidays behind and the slower pace of winter taken hold, this is a great time to reflect on your garden goals for the coming year, including plans for
