Weeds of Wednesday: Bad, Bad Balsampear

Balsampear, balasm pear, wild balsam apple, bitter melon, bitter gourd, and bitter squash are some of the common names for Momordica charantia, an invasive pest plant that hails from the Old World tropics. After the Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in…

Ansin Tract Conservation Area – Blackwater

The Ansin Tract Conservation Area, where we enjoyed a group walk on 8/5/2017, is a marvelous mix of habitats including xeric scrub and freshwater wetlands. Following the trail at the kiosk toward the east leads to the beautiful blackwater stream,…

Ansin Tract Conservation Area Walk – Xeric scrub

Jane Schnee (Class of 2012) led a warm but wonderful walk on 8-5-2017 at the Ansin Tract Conservation Area for Tim Glover, John Warner (Class of 2012), Diane Morgan (Class of 2012), Linda & Sam Chancellor (Class of 2010), Cindy…

Sweetscent or Camphorweed?

Beauty (or aroma) is in the eye (or nose) of the beholder. Sweetscent (Pluchea odorata) also is commonly called saltmarsh fleabane, shrubby camphorweed, stinkweed, and cattle-tongue. This annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant grows throughout coastal areas of the U.S.,…