Browsing: Environment

Spiders are all around us: in our landscapes, our homes, and even our vehicles. My grandchildren are always excited to report a web or small spider lurking in my vehicle. They all know not to kill them and that Paw Paw will show them the door, or not. Of course these are the spiders in plain view, but many others reside out of sight, like Trapdoor Spiders. Of the spiders that live underground, these critters take concealment to the max.

Yes, I am writing about flies – again. In my previous story, An Ode to Maggots, I acknowledged that larval flies get no respect. For the most part, that is true of adult flies as well, especially the species that bite, buzz your face, or fly up your nose. And yet, may I argue that flies are important in our world, whether we appreciate them or not. In part, I offer a few photos of flies that are less offensive, but beautiful, captured with skill by my friends Curtis and Sharon.

What looks like a mass of yellow spaghetti draped over a plant is, well, another plant – Dodder (Cuscuta spp). It is in fact a parasitic vine that is draining the life out of its host. The name dodder is largely thought to be derived from the German word dotter, referring to egg yolk, a reference that fits it well. But if you look close, this vine has flowers, cute ones at that, and an interesting and successful way of life.

As Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” enters its 38th season, public fascination with apex predators continues to rise. But while television audiences tune in for the drama, two Mississippi State graduate students are part of the network of scientists who help provide necessary data behind the public’s often-varying opinions on sharks.

Maritime industry partners are interested in engaging with teachers and students to provide awareness of the exciting opportunities available throughout the maritime industry.

Finding a click beetle, and watching it flip itself over, is as exciting as it gets with nature, especially for children. The dramatic flip and audible sound that they make when they do is almost always followed by a scream or giggle. And sadly, for the poor beetle, repeat performances are required, at least until it stops on its own. But what are these critters and why do they flip out.

From late spring through summer, turtles begin migrating in preparation for mating season. This annual trek can put the reptiles in great danger when they cross roads. However, there are steps you can take to protect turtles during this time of year. Learn more in the full fact-check below: 

Summertime Nature with Bored Kids – Nighttime Activities  

This is the second in this series of suggested activities for kids to do during summer, besides being glued to screens. In this case, nighttime is a great chance to entice them outdoors to listen and look for nature in the dark. Who knows, it may catch on!

Storm clouds threatened and laughing gulls called as my three children and I made our way to the crowded beach where a portion was sectioned off. This was our second time attending a sea turtle release. The crowd of all ages beamed with excitement and anticipation. Up ahead, a table displayed literature, stickers, and turtle skulls. Staff from the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies were ready to educate, interact, and host this real-world science lesson.

Mississippi researchers will help lead a new $13.5 million national effort to expand U.S. seafood production, positioning the Gulf Coast at the center of aquaculture research and development.

I want to take you back to Tatiana Martin’s beautiful yard in Vicksburg this week to look indoors at her orchids to see that her passion for gardening extends beyond the landscape beds.

School is out for the summer. What to do with those kids that have nothing to do but stare at a glowing screen all day. Try to entice them outside with hands-on activities that keep their interest. Here is one of a couple I will share in the coming weeks.

If you’ve ever lived in Mississippi, chances are you’ve heard one long before you’ve seen one.

Perched on a telephone wire, hidden in a crepe myrtle, or proudly standing atop a fence post, the Northern Mockingbird has a way of making itself known. With its gray feathers, white wing flashes, and seemingly endless repertoire of songs, it’s one of the most recognizable birds in the South—and it’s been Mississippi’s official state bird since 1944.

The University of Southern Mississippi is partnering in a new national effort to grow and strengthen America’s seafood supply through aquaculture research as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM), led by the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art will launch a free three-day film festival June 11-13 in Ocean Springs, featuring films, workshops and discussions focused on environmental storytelling. 

Identifying living things in our world has become as easy as opening up an app on your phone. But which one to use? There are so many, most focused on specific groups of organisms. But one app stands far above the rest. As a naturalist and scientist, the only app I use is iNaturalist. Let me explain why.