Nature of Things

John Weeks discusses works of literature and authors that have influenced him over the course of his life, including Henry Thoreau, Donald Peattie, and Aldo Leopold.

Much of nature is covered by snow each winter. John Weeks dispels the rumor that the winter landscape without snow is baron and uninteresting.

John Weeks discusses how pressure systems coming from all over the continent can mean plenty of snow in upstate New York during the month of February.

Dirt and soil can be a nuisance. However, John Weeks describes how soils have an amazing influence on our native environment.

Water exists in liquid, solid, and gaseous form, making the water cycle a truly fascinating event. However, the cycle does not exist without multiple Achilles' heels.

John Weeks discusses the shrike or "butcherbird." So called because of its eating habits, the shrike violently feeds on large insects, small rodents, and small songbirds.

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.

John Weeks discusses the transformation of the coyote into a suburban menace. He suggests that the tension between human and coyote is bound to grow and spread.

John Weeks has great patience with slow drivers. He explains the function of slow driving, describing the people behind the wheel as "philosophers."

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.

John Weeks discusses the history of Fahrenheit and Celsius. He points out that there are some detectable differences which a simple thermometer cannot detect.

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.

Wildlife does not stay hidden for long after a blizzard passes. John Weeks suggests that there are plenty of lessons to be learned while exploring after a big storm.

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

John Weeks suggests that both man and wildlife need to know their limitations in order for maximum productivity in cold weather.

John Weeks discusses what the conventional thinking regarding bird migration used to be, and how it has advanced in recent centuries through the use of "banding."