The Nature of Things
The Nature of Things is a weekly broadcast about our area’s native flora and fauna, hosted by Irvine Nature Center’sExecutive Director Brooks Paternotte. At the start of each week, The Nature of Things offers an eco-friendly perspective on everything from our changing seasons to the sounds of our migrating birds to the plants invading our yards, fields and forests.
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No one, not even the talented naturalists I know, likes stink bugs.Though they don’t sting like bees or bite like spiders, which each have their own…
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As fall quickly turns to winter, our Maryland landscape is beginning to look very brown and a little gray. It can be difficult for many who enjoy the lush…
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This time of year there are some things I've come to expect: getting out to enjoy the crisp cold air, the rush of holiday shopping, and getting Christmas…
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At Irvine Nature Center, every day is different. Some days include trail walks and ground maintenance, while other days include exciting animal encounters…
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Driving along 695, it’s easy to ignore the greenery beyond the concrete medians and metal guardrails.But that’s just where one of our area’s most…
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There are some words that you don’t get to use very often and when you finally get the opportunity, it’s a big occasion. The word I’m about to throw down…
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In the animal kingdom, there are a lot of species with rather spectacular misnomers. For example, the killer whale is not actually much of a killer. The…
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The beginning of fall marks the start of duck hunting season in Maryland. While not every Marylander is a duck hunter, the state has a rich tradition of…
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As elementary school students, we all learn that leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which colors leaves green. And shortly after, we…
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It’s autumn and migration is in full swing. But more than just birds are preparing for their long journey south. Bluefish are on their way to warmer…
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The storm had already passed, so I was surprised to hear a loud ‘crack’ and then an imposing ‘thump’ outside.Walking to my front yard, I noticed an…
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We’ve all heard the adage that earthworms are a gardener’s best friend. While you might be glad to see these slithery, small friends in your vegetable…