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Newsletter
June 15, 2012
In This Issue
Editor's Blog
The Outside Story
What In The Woods?
Last Week's Contest Answer
Northern Woodlands News
Quick Links

wildflowers EDITOR'S BLOG
Bugs, Blight, But Less Bites

Meghan Oliver 

 

Inchworms are one of the few creepy-crawlies I let skulk across my bare skin. Who doesn't delight in the ridiculous arching of the worm's body, followed by the exaggerated, full-body lunge forward as it makes its way across a leaf, your picnic table, or your bare arm? Its cuteness makes it skin-crawling-approved... 

bombardier beetle spraying THE OUTSIDE STORY 

Ground Beetles: In a Pitfall Can Near You      

Virginia Barlow     

 

Some ground beetles are big and beautiful: shiny black or iridescent green or bluish. And because many of them are unable or reluctant to fly, they are easily caught; you can get a good long look at them as they wiggle to escape from your hand. They are members of the family Carabidae, and the common name, ground beetle, describes them well...

 

Full Article Text
pink leaf mystery WHAT IN THE WOODS IS THAT?
Our Biweekly Guessing Game!

What's got these maple leaves so pink?

   

Every other 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. 

 


This week's contest deadline is 8:00 AM, Wednesday, June 27, 2012.
whose root is this Previous Contest Answer

Congratulations to our winner Krysta Zambroski of Saco, ME! Krysta receives a copy of our book, The Outside Story.


This root was dug up in a Vermont forest. It's edible, has the consistency of a radish, and is quite delicious. What is it?


NW Answer: Indian cucumber root.


indian cucumber root

The Indian cucumber plant has a crunchy white root that grows parallel to the surface of the ground. The root has a light, fresh flavor, and can be dug up in the northeastern woods May through June. Look for Indian cucumber (Medola virginiana) in moist woods, growing about 1 to 2 feet high.

This week's winner is Krysta Zambroski, who likes to dig up said roots with children at the Ferry Beach Ecology School in Maine.

 

 Visit our What In The Woods Is That? contest archive.

NW Woodpecker logo NORTHERN WOODLANDS NEWS

Torrefied Chip Plant Moving Forward


Thermogen Industries LLC's application to build a torrefied wood chip plant in Millinocket, Maine, was formally accepted by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, according to the Bangor Daily News. The company is seeking air and water permits. While the application states that torrefied wood chips will provide 30 percent more energy than standard wood pellets, the facility will produce an estimated 50 tons annually of volatile organic compounds. This plant will be the first facility in the world to use microwaves and thermal energy to produce torrefied wood, according to the state. Read more about the plant's progress here.

Living in Harmony with Streams

Living in Harmony with Streams: A Citizen's Handbook to How Streams Work was created to help Vermont's stressed stream and river systems recover and remain healthy by engaging landowners and communities in their stewardship. The pamphlet, created by The Friends of the Winooski and the White River and Winooski Natural Resources Conservation Districts, highlights incentive programs to landowners, and goes over the basics of a stream's system. While geared toward Vermonters, the content is general enough for anyone interested in stream health. Download a PDF of the pamphlet, or email for a paper copy.

Leasing Your Land to a Farmer

This workshop is for private landowners interested in making their land available to farmers for agricultural production. A panel will cover topics ranging from assessing your land and understanding farmer-tenant needs, to legal and financial liability. The event is July 21, 3-6:30 p.m., and includes a farm visit with landowners and a farmer-tenant. For more information, contact Liza Walker at the Vermont Land Trust at (802) 496-3690 or email. To RSVP, call (603) 357-1600 or email.

Invasive Pest in Maine

The Maine Forest Service is reporting that the invasive winter moth has infested a 400-acre area in Harpswell. The caterpillars can cause damage by defoliating hardwood and fruit trees, including, oak, maple, elm, ash, birch, apple, cherry, and blueberry. While state entomologists plan to use a parasitic fly to deal with the infestation, the state is reminding people to not move plants or firewood in or out of the state. Click here to learn more.

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Northern Woodlands
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The mission of the Center for Northern Woodlands Education is to advance a culture of forest stewardship in the Northeast and 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.