Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Level of carbon dioxide on Earth the highest it’s been since the dawn of mankind — National Post

There is more carbon dioxide on the planet than ever since the dawn of humanity, according to a Hawaii observatory. Data from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii has recorded atmospheric carbon dioxide levels at 415.26 parts per million (ppm), marking a historic precedent in the last 800,000 years, since before the evolution of homo … Continue reading Level of carbon dioxide on Earth the highest it’s been since the dawn of mankind — National Post

Foraging for Pigments from Local Rocks: Making Watercolors, Oils, and Egg Tempera Paint from the Land!

Dana's avatarThe Druid's Garden

Local Iron Oxide taken from a mineral spring, crushed, ground, sifted and made into paint! Local Iron Oxide taken from a mineral spring, crushed, ground, sifted and made into paint!

When I walk along the landscape here, I am greeted with the deep oranges and yellow oxides of our soils laden with heavy amounts of clay and iron.  These colors are reflected each time I dig into the subsoil, and as I drive through the countryside where mountains were cut through for roads. In other places, I might be greeted with reds, blues, or greens, all reflected in the geology of the land. Each region carries its own colors, and you can find the palate of the land in every stream bed.  Even an hour drive in any direction puts one in a new geological region–and this changes the colors of the stones and the soil.   You might think about these colors like a language–each landscape has its own language that you can learn to…

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Garden for Wildlife Month: Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard — Home is Where the Boat Is

Learn how to create a habitat garden to attract birds, butterflies, and other neighborhood wildlife. It’s fun, makes a positive difference and easier than you might think. May is my favorite gardening month, when the first flush of blooms appear and before the mercury and humidity collide to reach the ‘sweltering’ mark! And as it’s […] … Continue reading Garden for Wildlife Month: Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard — Home is Where the Boat Is

Ontario cutbacks force tree nursery to destroy 3 million trees — National Post

TORONTO -- One of the main nurseries for an Ontario tree planting program that's being scrapped by the province said it will likely have to destroy about three million trees because of the cancellation. Read More via Ontario cutbacks force tree nursery to destroy 3 million trees — National Post