December, Of Chickadees and Chickarees
By Leslie Watkins Black-capped chickadees are among the first visitors to return to the bird feeder after summering in the woods. These curious little birds will alert others of your presence with the familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” and will promptly answer your “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” in return. The more “dees” in the alarm, the higher the threat level. […]
Learning is On Target and Students SOAR at Botelle School
The Botelle Beat By Lauren Valentino The new year is the time when we typically make our resolutions – set goals, make plans, dream big. However, the new year for educators begins in September. That’s the time when we set goals, make plans and dream big, with our students in mind. At Botelle, we […]
Norfolk’s October 2017 Weather
Warm and Wet By Russell Russ October 2017 was the warmest October on record for all six New England states (as recorded at each state’s official recording location). For many Northeastern US cities, from Newark, New Jersey to Bangor, Maine, it was the warmest October on record and this included Hartford, Bridgeport and Albany. […]
Through the Garden Gate: November, Revelations
By Leslie Watkins After autumn’s chilly winds and drenching rains have knocked down the asters and goldenrods and the last leaves have fallen from the trees, hidden things are revealed. Stone walls, lost tools, vole holes and abandoned bird nests are evident. If you look very closely you may find a cocoon of Hyalophora […]
Norfolk’s September 2017 Weather
Summer Overtime By Russell Russ Devastatingly powerful hurricanes and the resulting catastrophic damage affected much of the Caribbean and Florida for a good part of September. The Gulf Coast had its turn in August. Out west there were devastating wildfires. The pictures and stories showed the terrible side of Mother Nature. Here in Norfolk […]
Through The Garden Gate
October, The Subterranean Apothec By Leslie Watkins If I could grow just one thing only, it would be Allium sativum. More than an absolutely indispensable ingredient for most of my favorite recipes, it also offers substantial health benefits while delivering good protection form vampires—useful at this time of year. Garlic has been used historically […]
Norfolk’s August 2017 Weather
Another Beauty By Russell Russ August continued our ongoing series of months with pleasant weather. Residents along the Gulf Coast and in the Caribbean had a rough weather month, due mostly to hurricane Harvey, but here in Norfolk, the weather continued to be quite nice. Norfolk’s weather for the most part has been very uneventful […]
Trouble Comes Disguised as a Beautiful Ornamental!
By John Anderson As mid fall approaches, the leaves of many plants senesce and change color. White ash trees are some of the first woody plants to drop their leaves, followed by the glorious colors of maples, birches, blueberries and spicebush. But amongst them are invaders, which can outnumber and choke out the natural […]
Norfolk’s July 2017 Weather
Another Fairly Normal Weather Month By Russell Russ July was yet another fairly average month for weather in Norfolk. Except for a few warmer than normal average monthly temperatures during the months of January, February and April, all other months this year have been very average for both temperature and precipitation. Other regions of […]
