Naturalist’s Notebook
Celebrating Appalachia’s magnificent biodiversity
Leave it to Beavers
Beavers are sometimes called “nature’s engineers,” and for good reason. By building lodges and dams as their homes, they physically alter the landscape to suit their own needs, similar to humans.
A Sweet Maple Harvest
A resurgence in mapling has opened a booming market for Appalachian syrup.
Ponies of the Grayson Highlands
The wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Southwest Virginia attract hikers of all ages — but take heed, don’t feed the ponies!
American Kestrel
The American kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon. This bird, whose population is declining, adapts well to nest boxes installed by conservationists.
Mistaken Identity: Recognizing the northern water snake
The non-venomous northern water snake is frequently spotted at swimming holes and rivers in Appalachia — and sometimes mistaken for its venomous cousin, the copperhead.
