Fox Run Environmental Education Center

Many herbs add flavor to food. but thats not all. Herbs have natural compounds that have antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. All those cool things that benefit our health and help us fight off germs.

Another health benefits of culinary herbs is that they help add flavor without relying heavily on salt, sugar, or processed sauces.

In this article we look at the health benefits of 7 common cooking herbs, how to use them medicinally, and growing tips.

Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are a root crop, related to carrots and parsley. They are very cold hardy and do well for fall or overwintering. In fact they need a few weeks of cold weather to make them sweeter.

They are very under appreciated and have a sweet nutty flavor. Parsnips take longer then carrots to grow and can be a bit persnickety but I'm going to help you have a great crop.

Apple trees are one of the most rewarding fruit trees to grow in a home garden. They also attract a wide range of pests and diseases. Knowing what to watch for, and how to respond early, makes a big difference.

I have been told by many farmers and that you cant raise apples organically. That is simply not true. In this article I am teaching about three apple pests, codling moth, apple maggot, and gypsy moth, and two fungal diseases, powdery mildew and apple scab. And how to prevent and control them.

If you grow apples, peaches, or plums in the eastern United States, you will likely deal with plum curculio at some point. The plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) is a native snout beetle that attacks tree fruit. It is small, but it can ruin a crop quickly if ignored.

As organic growers, we do not panic. We learn the life cycle and interrupt it at the right time. That is the key.

The northern saw whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) is a tiny bird that ranges over much of North America, so your chances are good that one might live near you. Their breeding range includes southern Alaska, most of Canada, and areas of the northern and western United States.

Saw-whet owls are curious birds, allowing humans to come quite close before flying away. Today we are talking all about the saw whet owl, tips for finding them in nature and ways you can help them.

Wood Ducks are unique because they nest in trees. They are one of the few North American ducks that regularly use tree cavities for nesting. Their scientific name, Aix sponsa, means “water bird in wedding dress,” a good description of the drake in spring.

The Wood Duck is one of the most beautiful native ducks in North America. They can be easy to spot in spring because they prefer smaller shallow ponds. In this article we will talk about their behavior, how to spot them , and what you can do to encourage their nesting.

I love feeding the birds in my backyard and I have high standards. I frequently teach others to attract backyard birds both locally and through our YouTube channel.

I have 6 feeders and use different mixes to appeal to different species. I also have a pretty high tolerance for chipmunks and squirrels but have recently acquired a squirrel proof feeder.

So here are the feeders currently in my yard and a couple that didn’t make the cut. Reviews are my honest opinions and I will let you know if I purchased the feeder or if it was a donation.

Imagine a bird so stunning that it inspired the colors of a Major League Baseball team. Meet the Baltimore Oriole, a feathered flash of brilliant orange and black that transforms ordinary backyards into scenes of tropical splendor.

Birding is one of the easiest ways for families to spend time outside and learn about wildlife. You do not need expensive gear or special training. Birds live in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, so most families can start right in their own backyard or neighborhood.

Cemeteries are fabulous places to explore nature and learn about an ecosystem. Because they are protected from development and relatively undisturbed they have a wide variety of plants and animals.

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a forest to spark a young child’s imagination. The dappled sunlight, chirping birds, earthy smells, and crunchy leaves create a natural classroom that invites exploration.

For preschoolers and early elementary-aged children, a forest sensory walk is a wonderful way to learn about the environment. Full of things to hear, see, smell, taste, and touch. Plan to take a walk in the forest and use your senses to explore.

Creeks and streams provide a place for children to explore nature. Around creeks, kids can see various animals and plants that make up a complex food web. Everything is connected, and the survival of one animal is often dependent upon the survival of another.