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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Jump into the fascinating why of plants—their role in our everyday lives, why native plants are more useful than your roses, and why...

Here are three creative ideas for making the most out of your old jack-o'-lanterns—no seeds required.

Why not let nature do its thing? Leaving those leaves be could be the best decision you've made for your little patch of earth.

Sustainable gardening is the bee’s knees. It helps cut down your environmental footprint, saves resources, and gives Mother Nature a hug.

Welcome to the deciduous forests, the runway models of the natural world. These flashy babes, shaking off their green coats in the fall, are

When we think of insects in the garden, pests like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars often come to mind, but not all “bugs” are bad!

Understanding the life cycle stages of insects is not only fascinating but also incredibly useful for gardening, pest control, and more.