Follow the Trail with Bill Reid,
The Last Green Valley's Chief Ranger
Exploring July in The Last Green Valley
Welcome to July! Summer might have officially started back on June 21, but for me this month is when the summer finally settles in for its all too brief three-month turn on the calendar. To help you get in the July summer season mood, here…
Farmer’s Markets – There is One Near You!
In the last decade there has been a healthy “growing” in the number of farmers’ markets throughout the region. Across the country, throughout New England and here in The Last Green Valley the number and variety of farmers’ markets is a wonderful addition to our…
It’s Snapping Turtle Egg Laying Season
“Turtles were around before dinosaurs, and they watched them emerge, prosper, and disappear altogether. Without changing their body plan at all, turtles further observed the rise of birds and mammals. They are still here today, waiting to see what happens to us.” — Thomas F.…
Cattails – Fascinating Wetlands Wild Plant
In March I wrote about exploring three beaver ponds at my grandparent’s old farm property in New Hampshire. With the late winter ground and water still frozen it was easy for me to explore the edges of each pond, especially the one closest to a…
Hunters, Anglers Can Protect Our Birds
I’ve written about the success eagles and other raptors have had with rebounding populations here in The Last Green Valley and nationwide. While the successes are to be celebrated, there are still two threats that are not allowing raptors and waterfowl to thrive the way…
Memories of Memorial Day
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day we take time to celebrate those who gave their life for our country while serving in the armed forces. To honor the fallen we hold parades, set out graveside decorations, make speeches and remembrances and take time to give…
Planting Acorns for the Future
“Planting nuts requires a vision for a future that goes beyond one’s mortal reach,” — Bernd Heinrich from The Trees in My Forest Last fall I was presented with a gift of two 1-gallon plastic bags of red oak acorns. My sister-in-law Jamie had collected…
Bird Nests of May – Part II
“Although it is easier to find the nest in early winter, nest finding in spring is more of a challenge and infinitely more rewarding, since the nests are in use.” —John Hanson Mitchell from “A Field Guide to Your Own Back Yard.” Step outside in…
Bird Nests of May – Part I
“The survival of its species depends on how well it can protect and keep warm a ridiculous, round, rolly, fragile thing, containing its future offspring.” Joan Dunning, Secrets of the Nest: The Family Life of North American Birds In my office I have a photograph…
A New Loop Trail and More Spring Outdoors
Earth Day was April 22, and I had the opportunity to celebrate in style with a very enjoyable hike at West Thompson Lake — one of the six U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACOE) recreation areas within The Last green Valley National Heritage Corridor. It…
Give the gift of Vitamin N (Nature)!
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he [or she] needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” — Rachel Carson Are you and…
The Fascinating Subterranean Life of Moles
“Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.” Mole from “The Wind in the Willows,” by Kenneth Grahame One of the most…