Posts Tagged Nature Notes
Nature Notes – Rattlesnake rattles
August 4th, 2011
By MILENIUSZ SPANOWICZ
Hiking through the Chihuahuan Desert, the excitement of seeing animals in their natural habitat is an integral part of our escape to the wilderness. But there are some animals that we may not be so excited to see, like rattlesnakes. Snakes prefer to hide rather than confront a threat. But when in danger, …
Nature Notes – the agave
July 28th, 2011
By JAMES SAUNDERS
Humans made the Chihuahuan Desert Region their home for thousands of years before the Europeans discovered the New World. These early inhabitants were able to live in our harsh conditions because they used desert plants as a source of food, fiber, medicine and building material. Plants of the Agavaceae family – the sotols, …
nature notes – native garden nurtures butterflies
April 28th, 2011
By CATHRYN HOYT, Ph.D.
Butterflies add just the right touch to a flower garden. And if you want more butterflies pollinating your flowers, try creating a butterfly garden!
The Chihuahuan Desert has an amazing diversity of butterflies. One key to attracting butterflies to your yard is to remember that native plants attract native pollinators. Hybrid tea roses, …
Packrat time machines
February 24th, 2011
By Dr. CATHRYN HOYT
Have you ever been camping in the desert and lost your pocketknife, compass, or shiny new fork? You might have been the victim of a packrat.
Packrats are compact, long-tailed rodents with prominent eyes and large ears. Their name comes from their habit of collecting the desert’s flotsam and jetsam – bits of …
