Helping people enjoy the natural world around them
To know me is to know I love nature, particularly birds, and especially ducks. Of all our dabblers and divers, my favorite remains the very common Mallard. Few things bring me as much joy and peace as watching the birds we grew up toddling after at a local duck pond. So you can imagine my bliss when we spotted 10 freshly-hatched ducklings at my wonderful workplace, Queens Botanical Garden.
Read MoreNo secret here -- I can wax poetic about city life and I'm particularly eager to talk about nature in my fair city. Sure, those big national parks are great but where else can you see endangered bird species AND catch a Broadway play all in one day?
Read MoreI was being watched. Every move I made, he was there. But I wasn’t worried – my harmless voyeur was an American Robin.
Read MoreI really have no right to complain considering this mild winter. But no matter – around this time every year I get desperate for warmer weather and flowers. Conveniently some plants are happy to accommodate my longing.
Read MoreThoreau's Walden passed by my eyes many years ago -- high school, perhaps? -- and while I might appreciate the concept behind the man's work, truth be told I found it a bit dull. Enjoying a recent walk through Queens Botanical Garden has made me reconsider his deep documentation of a single landscape.
Read MoreHooray to terrific pal/workmate Regina who shall hereafter be named "Eagle Eyes" for spotting an injured American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)! Not much bigger than my pet cockatiels, this small falcon had an injured wing and was hiding in the arborvitae hedge at Queens Botanical Garden. With the help of ever-willing hubby, we were able to capture this charmer who rather quickly settled onto the pillow inside a large plastic box. About an hour later, we dropped him (her?) off at a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for further care.
Read MoreLearn more about the Children's Garden program at Queens Botanical Garden from Rebecca Wolf.
Read MoreMoving on to this week's topic: I am, like many others, pining for a proper spring day. Between our recent chilly air, rain, and wind, the promise of sun and pleasant temps lured me outside yesterday to probably my favorite spot for botanical beauty and all that comes with the package: Queens Botanical Garden. Trust me, I work there and happily visit on a day off, so it must be worth it!
Read MoreNot to be confused with the April event that marks the beginning of the environmental movement, International Earth Day is celebrated on the vernal equinox. To mark the occasion, QBG held a full day of fun on March 20.
Read MoreAfter a heavenly few days of warm weather, I was so disappointed to wake up on Saturday morning to high winds and cold (though probably more seasonable) temperatures.
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