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Newsletter
September 4, 2009
In This Issue
Editor's Blog
The Outside Story
What In The Woods?
Last Week's Contest Answer
Quick Links

camels hump blog picture EDITOR'S BLOG
Earning a View

The trail up Burnt Rock Mountain in north-central Vermont is a consistently rugged scramble up exposed granite ledge, the kind that makes ribbons out of hiking boots. J and I summited around 1 p.m.,
and our packs, which had begun to feel like clinging monkeys...

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Wood Thrush Tyrol Illustration THE OUTSIDE STORY
Wood Thrush Needs Help from Java Drinkers

When we moved to Thetford, Vt., in 1985, I marveled at the variety of forest songbirds in our midst. I counted as many as 26 species a year just in our backyard. Of all these, the most thrilling was the wood thrush....
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What In Woods Contest image WHAT IN THE WOODS IS THAT?
Our Weekly Guessing Game!


This maple leaf seems covered with Nerds candy. A quick taste reveals the bumps in question are anything but sweet. What in the woods is it?

Photo courtesy Ronald S. Kelley, VTDFPR

Each week we run a photo of something unusual found in the woods. Guess what it is and you'll be eligible to win a copy of The Outside Story, a paperback collection of our Outside Story newspaper columns. A prize winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries. The correct answer, and the winner's name, will appear in next week's column.

View the full image and enter this week's contest

This week's contest deadline is 5:00pm, Wednesday, September 9th.
What in Woods Contest Image Last Week's Contest Answer

Congratulations to last week's winner, Tom Ryzewski of Thompson, CT. We had 8 correct answers! Tom receives a copy of our book, The Outside Story.


This curious-looking insect rests on a black-eyed Susan. What kind of bug is it? Common name is fine.


NW Answer: An ambush bug.
 
You thought wasps were tough guys? Well, ambush bugs literally eat them for lunch.
 
When a wasp, or bee, or a butterfly lands on a flower for nectar, an ambush bug may be lying in wait. It latches on to its prey, finds a soft spot, then pierces the victim's body with its hollow beak. Caustic digestive enzymes saturate and dissolve the victim's innards. By the time an ambush bug is done feeding, all that's left of its prey is a dried husk.
 
In August, look for ambush bugs on goldenrod, flowering boneset, or milkweed. Mummified bug carcasses under a flower are a dead give-away.
 
Thanks to Photographer Ken Thomas for sharing this wonderful photo.

NW Woodpecker logo REGIONAL EVENTS


 


Wonder of Wood Expo, Saturday, September 19th

University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME
 
This event is designed to help the general public learn about current and future plans for the sustainable management of Maine's 17 million acres of forestland.

The presenting collaborative group, Forests for Maine's Future, is made up of representatives from the Maine Forest Service, University of Maine Center for Research on Sustainable Forests, Maine TREE Foundation, and the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine. Their mission: to provide a balanced and rational voice for utilization of Maine's forest lands.
 
For more information, contact Forests for Maine's Future
at http://www.forestsformainesfuture.org.

Vermont Woodlands Level II Forestry School, September 12-13th
To Take You to the Next Level of Forest Management
Hulbert Outdoor Center, Fairlee, VT
 
2nd Annual Level II ForestrySchool Weekend Workshop
Using classroom discussion and field practice/examples, participants will better understand forest terminology, tree identification, timber harvesting, forest pests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, forest soils, forest roads and trails, boundary lines, and exotic invasive plants. 
 
Cost for the weekend workshop is $100.00 per person, including overnight accommodations and 4 meals, or $75.00 per person for commuters and registration is required.
 
For more information contact Vermont Woodlands Association at 802-747-7900 or visit www.vermontwoodlands.org to download the registration form.
We Welcome Your Questions and Comments
Postal Address:
Northern Woodlands
1776 Center Road
P.O. Box 471
Corinth, VT  05039
Toll-Free: (800) 290-5232
Phone: (802) 439-6292
Fax: (802) 439-6296
Email: mail@northernwoodlands.org
General inquiries form

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The mission of the Center for Northern Woodlands Education is to encourage a culture of forest stewardship in the Northeast by producing and distributing media content to increase understanding of and appreciation for the natural wonders, economic productivity, and ecological integrity of the region's forests. Our programs give people the information they need to help build a sustainable future for our region. Through Northern Woodlands magazine, the Northern Woodlands Goes to School program, and special publications, we make a difference in how people care for their land.