Milkweed plants are a favorite among gardeners and nature lovers, especially because they support monarch butterflies. But if you’ve noticed bright orange and black bugs on your milkweed, you’re likely seeing Oncopeltus fasciatus, commonly called the large milkweed bug.

Discover why deciduous plants—from trees to vines like poison ivy—shed their leaves each fall. Learn how light, hormones, and seasonal changes trigger this natural cycle of dormancy and renewal.

If you’ve ever walked past a grapevine and noticed the leaves looking more like lace than greenery, you may have stumbled upon the work of the Eastern Grapeleaf Skeletonizer (Harrisina americana). These small, spiky caterpillars may be tiny, but they leave a big mark—literally. From their bristly defenses that can irritate your skin, to their habit of feeding in groups and turning grape leaves into skeletons, these insects are full of surprising quirks.

When you pack for a camping trip, you probably think about marshmallows, bug spray, and maybe that one folding chair that’s been with you since the 90s. What you don’t think about? The dozens (or hundreds) of tiny, feathered, and sometimes fuzzy “locals” ready to crash your campsite the second you pitch your tent. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common campsite residents from Virginia northward, along with fun facts, “guest etiquette” tips, and a few l

Strategic land development is a growing movement that prioritizes working with existing topography, vegetation, and water flow—preserving as much natural habitat as possible.

Cities and suburbs are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff these days—rising temperatures, bad air, flooded streets, toxic soil, not enough access to fresh food, and growing stress levels. On the surface, these all seem like completely different problems. But here’s the twist:

North America is home to nearly 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are often mistaken for wasps, flies, or overlooked entirely.

Turtles have been roaming the earth for over 200 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and adapting to a constantly changing world.

Opossums often get a bad rap. Many people think they’re dirty, disease-ridden, or even dangerous. But the truth? These quiet, gentle creatures are one of nature’s most underrated allies. They help keep ecosystems clean, control pests, and rarely pose any threat to humans.

A couple of weeks ago, I got to thinking—how have humans DIY-ed nature  to improve their own comfort? It turns out that even on a small...

Rather than focusing solely on one groundhog’s shadow, we should take the time to appreciate the species as a whole.

While winter may seem like an off-season for gardening, it’s actually the perfect time to observe your landscape, dream up a plan for the se

Winter is an ideal time for removal as plants are dormant, and surrounding vegetation is less dense.

Even in the chilly embrace of winter, nature has fascinating stories to tell. The outdoors may look barren, but beneath the frost and snow l

Winter is here! It’s the season of cozy hoodies, hot cocoa, and magical outdoor adventures.

If you’re looking for a tree that combines year-round beauty, ecological benefits, and rich history, the American holly (Ilex opaca) is the

With the holidays just around the corner, the quest for that perfect gift begins. If you're anything like me, the task of finding a meaningful, unique gift, especially for the eco-enthusiast or newbie gardener in your life, might feel daunting. Fear not, because I've curated a list of thoughtful, eco-friendly gift ideas to delight everyone on your list. More of a watcher than a reader? Check out our video version. Budget-Friendly Ideas: Garden Kits with a Twist Let's kick off

Gardening and landscaping might seem like straightforward hobbies, but the world of plants and outdoor spaces is full of myths that can misl