Monthly Archives: April 2016

Signs of Spring 10: Vernal Pools (and more!)

Spring frogs are important harbingers of the season in Western Pennsylvania, and Deborah and I listen for them carefully. The Spring Peepers (Hyla crucifer) are usually the first frogs to make their presence known. They begin their soft, peeping group … Continue reading

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Signs of Spring 9: Red Maples (part 2)

I am looking out across a broad river valley here in Western Pennsylvania. At least one third of the trees I see are red maples (the photo to the left was taken about a month after the photo in last … Continue reading

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Signs of Spring 8: Red Maples (part 1)

There is a trail that Deborah and I have hiked many times over the years. We call it the “Up and Over,” and it runs up the north side ridge of the Kiski River and then down into the ravine … Continue reading

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Signs of Spring 7: Multiflora Rose

The color green is returning to our winter gray-brown ecosystems. The grass in our yards is starting to grow at an interestingly uneven rate. In my own yard places where Izzy has “visited” over the winter seem to be greening … Continue reading

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