Raised In Nature

Who can spot the moth?? It's huge! Amazing how camouflage works!

Looking at what makes noise in the forest

Merry Christmas eve!

Foliose lichens! I love looking for these on dead branches and trees. The detail on these tiny living organisms is so cool to look at!

Tag your friends who love yellow and orange!

Who knows what we will find on the trail tomorrow morning! We will be looking for unique nature items and collecting memories together as a family

Excited to be camping tonight under the stars. Look how clear the Orion constellation is!

Plants communicate through their root systems, through chemical exchanges, and are so much more connected than previously thought!

Plus the lichen variations are simply so amazing!

The Social Life of Forests Trees appear to communicate and cooperate through subterranean networks of fungi. What are they sharing with one another?

Our newest tiny treasures, an empty bird nest from a fallen tree and several big globular drop snail shells!

Globular Drop Snails are usually found in wooded areas near freshwater creeks and rivers. They are also prominent in prairie habitats and mesquite forests. They have one pair of te****les, and the eyes are located just behind the te****le base. The Globular Drop is one of the few terrestrial mollusks to sport an operculum (gill cover). This allows them to survive arid conditions and dry spells.

Lichens and Fungus! Unique resin pieces are curing now with a few of these lichens I picked! Click each picture to read about the lichen species.

You can find them on trees, dead branches, and all kinds of places. Lichens are common pioneers on trees, shrubs, soil, and even rocks, but do they kill the host that feeds them? The truth is, whichever host the lichen colonizes benefits from the added moisture and environmental protection, while also providing a place for the lichen to take root and establish a strong residence.

Since they are not pathogenic or considered pests, there is no control method available today. While they are sometimes unappealing, removing the lichens mechanically can create fresh wounds that invite more severe plant pathogens to inhabit your landscape.

PUMA WEEK! According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, only four mountain lion attacks on humans in Texas were been reported since 1980, all occurring in remote areas of West Texas. In the 111 years from 1890 to 2001, there were 98 attacks across the U.S. and Canada, 17 of them fatal. In comparison, dogs annually inflict injuries requiring medical care on 200,000 people, and kill 18 to 20 of them. If you encounter a mountain lion, Texas Parks and Wildlife advises you to secure your children and pets close to you. Stay calm, talk softly, and slowly back away, keeping eye contact with the mountain lion. Make yourself appear larger through body language and clothing. If the lion is aggressive throw rocks or sticks, and speak firmly and loudly. Do not run or turn your back. Report all aggressive mountain lion behavior.

Photo courtesy of WallpaperFlare.