Browsing: Environment

Of the many types of wetlands in our landscape, Bayhead Swamps are nearest to us, often part of our backyards and neighborhoods. And yet, they are often recognized only as those “wet” and “muddy” domains where our children like to roam. And why not! Any child playing outdoors loves a mud puddle or ditch to explore. But let me share why these wet spots are a gift to us.

Mississippi State University faculty, staff and students planted trees today [Feb. 13] at Partnership Middle School for the second consecutive year, highlighting the role of hardwood species in landscapes and community spaces.

For many folks, owls are spooky and mysterious creatures. But the truth is that they are some of the most fascinating of the nocturnal creatures in our world. All owls are cool, but the coolest may be Great Horned Owls.

Many kinds of birds flock together in winter, for good reasons. Understanding why makes watching them fun and a chance to appreciate their roles in our world.

For many, wetlands are nice to look at but are otherwise mysterious places. Few people dare to tread through the water, mud, and muck that defines them. Staying on dry land is preferable, but without these wet elements of our landscape, our world would not benefit from the numerous functions and values that wetlands provide. Wetlands are a gift to most wildlife and certainly to humans, if only we paid attention.

Mississippians have long memories when it comes to weather. We remember hurricanes by name, floods by river height, and winter storms by the silence that follows when the power goes out and the world turns glassy and still. That’s why this week’s forecast has many North Mississippi families thinking back to February 1994.

Have you ever wondered why tides are lowest in winter along the northern Gulf of Mexico? Along our beaches, sand flats become exposed hundreds of feet from shore. In shallow bayous, the water can drain almost completely. Wonder no more, it is all about how our planet tilts and spins through the seasons, and the unique nature of the gulf we call home.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has a lot going on this month – as always. But the MDWFP wants Mississippians to remember two important dates, both of which involve hunting.

For those of us that pay attention to wildlife in our world, winter can be a time of worry. How do our favorite birds deal with the cold? Where did Ole Grumpy, my Box Turtle disappear to? And what about my favorite anole? Well, rest assured, the wildlife in our world know what to do. They do not really need us to intervene, although we can help in a couple of ways that mimics nature itself. Here is how they manage and how we can help.

Attracting hummingbirds to your home can be more than just hanging nectar feeders. Providing  nectar-producing plants to your landscape is frankly healthier for these energetic birds while also adding beauty to your surroundings. But serving up natural flower-based sugars is only one way to support these birds. They eat much more. Winter is the time to think about what you can add to your yard to help feed hummingbirds throughout the year.

So, the kids will soon be out of school, Mom and Dad. Yikes! What to do other than let them lose themselves in those tablets, smartphones, or video games. Here are a few suggestions that you can undertake to engage their brain cells around conservation actions that may lead them to new interests in nature and its wellbeing.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been awarded more than $3 million as part of a $17.2 million investment announced by the NOAA RESTORE Science Program to support long-term research on the Gulf of America ecosystem.

MOSS POINT—Across Mississippi, hummingbird feeders have been cleaned and stored until spring migration begins. But, not having a nectar feeder hanging may limit winter guests.

Of all the vines in natural landscapes across the south, greenbriers are the most memorable, but not typically for good reasons. Also known as catbriers, these tough vines sport some of the nastiest thorns of any plant. And yes, they hurt! I have scars, and many stories about how they have entrapped, tripped, made me bleed, and use words that my Mama

MOSS POINT—The Gulf Coast version of a “white Christmas” is beginning to show with the arrive of the American White Pelican seeking winter refuge from the frigid north.

Many bird watchers can easily rattle off a list of the common birds that visit their backyards, especially feeders. Many also anticipate the arrival of overwintering birds, like American Goldfinches and winter hummingbirds that visit us from the western U.S. (https://ourmshome.com/winter-hummingbirds/ ). But many more winter birds do not come to feeders, but are common, nevertheless. This is my challenge to you to discover some of these birds during the holiday season, especially if you invite children to join in on the fun.