Nature of Things

A Visit to Baltimore Woods

John Weeks — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:18:12 +0000

John Weeks tells the story of Baltimore Woods while examining the changes that take place each year. He also discusses the beauty within the woods and its ability to grow richer each season.

Taking A Country Trip In Spring

John Weeks — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:17:21 +0000

John Weeks goes on a spring time journey. He takes us on a tour to the country side and examines wildlife in his favorite areas.

Planting For Wildlife

John Weeks — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:15:31 +0000

John Weeks explains the value of plants to Wildlife and how to attract wildlife to your environment.

CNY's Colorful Past

John Weeks — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Central New York has undergone many physical changes in its history. John Weeks discusses the transformation of the local landscape and remembers the species that once roamed the area.

The Fruit of the Vine

John Weeks — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks sits down for an interview with a grape grower to discuss the grape culture in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York.

Nature's Vineyard

John Weeks — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses plant life that is rarely found in the index or glossary of nature books: the vine. Some are very important to wildlife, including grape, poison ivy, and morning glory vines.

Snowshoeing

John Weeks — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses his limited experience with snowshoeing and recounts various encounters with wildlife while out on the winter trails.

New Year's Resolutions in Nature

John Weeks — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Weeks describes that within branches, seeds, soil, and creatures exist promises of the approaching season.

Commentary on Christmas and Nature

John Weeks — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses the types of scenes he sees on the Christmas cards he gives and receives. He notes a lack of ecological accuracy and an emphasis on cuteness.

Mysterious Spirit of the Night

John Weeks — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks shares everything there is to know about the flying squirrel and recounts an experience with one earlier on in his life.

The "Winter Blahs" in Nature

John Weeks — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses behaviors and preparations of animals and plants in nature during the winter months. He suggests that the wild world has no time for "cabin fever."

The Weasel, an Unloved Ally

John Weeks — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks describes weasels as beautiful, fearless, and efficient. He points out that weasel's are our ally against rodents, and that every weasel killed equals 100 deer mice saved.

Winter Reflection on Cold and Clothing

John Weeks — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses how the activities of both humans and wildlife are climate regulated. Wildlife, however, only change their clothes a couple of times per year.

Signs of a Tough Winter Ahead?

John Weeks — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:25:00 +0000

While he has never been convinced of any steadfast signs that a particularly rough winter is ahead, John Weeks shares some speculative short and long-term weather prognostications.

Snow - Blessings & Hardships

John Weeks — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Did you know that snow acts as an insulator and can provide protection to many animals, even those who do not typically burrow? John Weeks discusses the pros and cons of snow.

The First Snowfall

John Weeks — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Weeks discusses exploring during the first snowfall in order to discover anything new. He shares stories of the puzzles in the snow he has encountered during past walks.

The First Thanksgiving

John Weeks — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

John Weeks touches on the embellishment of the current version of Thanksgiving. He recounts the true origin of the holiday through the words of Governor William Bradford.

In November, We Fall Back

John Weeks — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks suggests using the found hour brought on by "falling back" late in the year to do things you otherwise couldn't do. Take advantage before your body adjusts and the found hour is lost.

Invaders From Our Own Back Yard

John Weeks — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses critters (good and bad) who may decide to take up residence in your home or garage during the cold, winter months. He offers tips on how you can control the flow of unwanted pests from making your home their home.

Now That the Leaves Have Fallen

John Weeks — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:25:00 +0000

John Weeks talks about the sadness of the autumn leaf fall that is tempered by the wonderful colors and the knowledge of the beauty that lies ahead. He explains why leaves fall and the benefits of the yearly occurrence.

Love of Earth

John Weeks — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses societal changes that have occurred throughout the course of his life. One thing that has remained constant, however, is his love for nature and the planet.

Gifts of the Glacier

John Weeks — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses lands that are rich in glacial history, chiefly Chicago Bog. He touches on the aesthetics of the bog, from surrounding shrubbery to bog inhabitants.

November's Open Book

John Weeks — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Weeks talks about the creative genius involved in autumn leaves falling, only to bloom again in the spring. He also suggests that the late fall environment, especially the month of November, is an open book full of choice reading.

Little Climates and the First Forest

John Weeks — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:25:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses the first widespread freeze of the year, and the gorgeous day that proceeded it. He also explains the significance of microclimates and their undetected presence nearly everywhere we turn.

Why Do Flowers Bloom When They Do?

John Weeks — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Weeks remembers his first encounter with the fall crocus. He talks about how light wavelength effects plant growth and touches on photoperiodism as it relates to the blooming of various plants.

Evening Pond Watch

John Weeks — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Weeks recounts a walk along Rice Pond and the interlacing of the sounds coming from various species of waterfowl. He also provides information regarding the colorful ensembles sported by different types of birds that were seen on the hike.

Passing the Catskills

John Weeks — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses revisiting his favorite vistas more than 30 years after he first discovered their beauty. He notes that despite the changes in these areas, they maintain the magic and charm they have always had.

Outside Influences

John Weeks — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

John Weeks discusses the influence of the moon on bird migration and reproduction. He explains how day length have been demonstrated to trigger reproductive cycles and stimulate hormone production.

Dedications and Spectacles in Nature

John Weeks — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

John Weeks talks about the parallel between the operation of a wild thing and the function of a computer chip. Weeks makes the point that in both cases, a lot of what happens may be the result of stored messages or directives, as in the case of bird migration.

Disasters Can Be Beautiful

John Weeks — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

In the wake of Hurricane Isabel, John Weeks discusses how the aftermath of a storm can provide opportunity despite devastation. Nature always makes the necessary adjustments after a natural disaster, begging the question of whether these events are really disasters at all.