Of all the yard critters that we encounter, box turtles are favorites. They often become pets of sorts when we offer them treats, and if done regularly, they can become demanding. Stories of turtles waiting at the back door or even looking into the house “asking” for attention are not uncommon. We humans are trainable that way. Cute names are often assigned.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently worked alongside the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) to complete a crucial phase of a collaboration project to investigate methods for optimizing oyster habitat restoration in the Mississippi Sound.

Of our common backyard birds, Northern Cardinals stand out and are likely the very first bird we recognized as a child. According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, male cardinals are perhaps most responsible for getting folks to begin to want to learn more about birds. But what do we really know about this iconic bird?  

Alas. Fall is whispering to us, letting us know that it has arrived. Some of us thought the weather was cooling down a bit, but in truly, early autumn, Mississippi nature, the coolness was temporary — only set aside for mornings and evenings.