by Jose German
By Jose German Fall is the beginning of a new cycle of life. It is a kind of respite for nature before we move into winter. It is not the end of the gardening season but the beginning of a transformation that will guide us through the winter and into the spring. Plants and trees […]
by Jose German-Gomez
By Jose German Goldenrod and Joe-Pye Weed are in bloom, and the asters’ buds are starting to open. Nesting goldfinches are flocking over drying coneflowers in search of seeds to nourish their hatchlings. Monarch butterflies are laying their last batches of eggs to produce this season’s final generation of butterflies before the migration to Mexico. […]
by NEEC Contributor
By David Wasmuth David Wasmuth is a local environmentalist and amateur naturalist. He is a Rutgers Environmental Steward and the founder of the Montclair Backyard Habitat Project. Amid the mix of disturbing and hopeful news that has made 2020 a year like none other, one quietly odd phenomenon has been hard to ignore: chipmunks seem […]
by Jose German
By Jose German Here in Montclair and across the nation, an alarming number of people are reporting receiving strange packets of seeds by mail that they did not order. The mysterious packages are creating a wave of speculation around this scam. Most of the packages come from China, but some are from other foreign countries. […]
by Jose German
By Jose German High summer is here! Gardens are full of color despite the scarcity of rain, and the first monarch butterflies are floating gracefully through town. But this summer feels different. In the summer’s heat, a social uprising and a frightening pandemic are causing us to rethink our actions in search of better ways […]
by NEEC Contributor
By David Wasmuth June 27, 2020 Books “Nature’s Best Hope” by Douglas Tallamy “The Living Landscape” by Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas Tallamy Douglas Tallamy has been an inspiring pioneer in recognizing the interdependence between native plants, insects and birds. His books feature excellent plant lists as well as practical […]
by Jose German
As spring is shifts towards summer, things are moving towards a “new normal” with the quarantine tentatively eased. Among the lessons of the pandemic, two of the more valuable are a greater appreciation of nature and an awareness of the importance of sustainability in times of crisis. There are many uncertainties about our near future, […]
by NEEC Contributor
David Wasmuth is a local environmentalist and amateur naturalist. He is a Rutgers Environmental Steward and the founder of the Montclair Backyard Habitat Project. They are rarely seen, but make their presence known. You may be sitting in your living room on a summer evening, windows open to enjoy the breeze, when you notice a scent that’s […]
by NEEC Contributor
Compiled by Deb Ellis 5/30/20 – Note: I’ve included the source of these recipes if I know it, but most I have used for years and did not keep track of the creator. Thanks to all the recipe creators! Tabouli Modified from Jane Brody 1 cup bulgur and 1.5 c. boiling water 2 tomatoes or […]
by Jose German
Spring is here in full force, as is the quarantine. The mood has shifted from near shock to uncertainty. For those fortunate enough to have a yard, the shutdown has increased our appreciation for this bit of open space more than ever. I have heard stories from local gardeners of how their gardens are saving […]