Woodland Vole in Maryland Yard

Posted Mar 28, 11 -Filed Under Nature: plant and animal identification | 2 Comments

The woodland vole, Microtus pinetorum, is very common around my house in Maryland. They spend most their time in tunnel systems close to the soil surface.

I feel bad for the little guys that often become food for my cat. In the picture is a woodland vole that I rescued after my cat brought it inside to play with. Honestly, I’m trying to discourage such behavior in my cats (the bringing inside). There seems to be no shortage of voles around.

I was always unsure what kind of critter was digging those tunnels in my yard. After a little research I now think I can tell the difference between the woodland voles (83 -120mm long including tail) and the meadow voles (128 -195mm) both found in Maryland. These woodland voles are smaller and have a shorter tail (15 to 40mm). Meadow voles have tails that are about 40% of their body length.

Moss Filled Tea Cup: Party Table Decoration

Posted Mar 24, 11 -Filed Under crafts (recycled materials), garden (gardening info and eco-friendly project ideas), gifts from recycled materials, party décor (recycle and upcycle), party: Mad Hatters Tea, reuse cups, tea | 4 Comments

I wanted a little more green on the table for my Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Because it was early March, there wasn’t a lot to choose from growing outside. I did however; find moss growing in some spots around my house. So here are the inexpensive yet pretty moss teacups I made.

I used second-hand tea cups. I choose cups from our collection that were the most worn and would be the least likely to be used for drinking tea. I filled them with potting soil then I dug up a circular clump of moss. Moss doesn’t have deep roots like other plants so you don’t have to dig up much soil with the moss. I then arranged the moss on top and watered it. Be careful not to over water. Mist regularly!

So simple and pretty.

Mad Hatters Tea Party: Hanging Photo Taking Frame

Posted Mar 24, 11 -Filed Under party: Mad Hatters Tea, reuse frames, picture | 1 Comment

This second-hand frame is given an upgrade coat of red paint to be used at a Mad Hatters Dinner Tea Party.

I set up a picture taking station for guests to take pictures of each other in costume. I just found a blank wall (by moving furniture out of the way) and hung the frame from the ceiling with some kite string. Having a camera on a tripod is a bonus if your party is after dark but isn’t necessary.

Have fun!

Earth Hour 2011: Turn Out Your Lights

Posted Mar 22, 11 -Filed Under local environmentalism (doing our part) | Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars! At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour. Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness of sustainability issues.

Last year 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

Go to EarthHour.org to learn more

Frog Hunting In Maryland: The Northern Cricket Frog

Posted Mar 22, 11 -Filed Under Nature: plant and animal identification, children's activities (recycled materials), seasonal: spring, seasonal: summer | Leave a Comment

It is spring and time to look for frogs. Yesterday, my daughter and I went for a nature walk in the woods around our house. During our adventure, we found this frog. It is a cricket frog, Acris crepitans. Cricket frogs are non-climbing tree frog. I’ll be sure to look for their eggs during their breeding season (May through July).

This cricket frog is on a child’s hand.

Identification:

They vary in color but often have a dark triangle present between the eyes and a Y-shaped stripe on their backs.

Fun With Cattail Spikes

Posted Mar 4, 11 -Filed Under children's activities (recycled materials), seasonal: spring, seasonal: winter | Leave a Comment

When exploring a wetland with my daughter, we came upon some cattail plants (Typha sp.) When I saw them, I remembered how fun they can be. We had a pleasant time together discovering or re-discovering the amazing qualities of cattail spikes.

You have got to try this! Find a cattail flower spike in winter or early spring when last year’s flowers produced a sausage-like thing that is magic: or something close to it. Try pulling a handful off and hold it tight, then watch when you open your hand. It will explode into a soft landscape full of tiny seeds. Each seed has a bit of fluff attached; the purpose is to allow wind to carry the seed off to new locations.

All I ask is that you don’t play with all the spikes. Leave most of them alone. Did you know that some birds use the fluff to line their nests?

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