Thimble and Blossom are back on North Country Trails this fall! While they migrate south for warmer weather each winter, Thimble and Blossom stop over for a couple months on our trails to enjoy the fall foliage, tuck in the bears for hibernation, and to answer all of your nature questions! They stopped by Nature Up North to tell us how excited they are to see who can find their homes and to…

When I was younger, an old-time arborist I knew used to say “The best time to prune trees is when the tools are sharp.” This guy was beset with shoulder injuries and knee problems because he also believed “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Sadly, both of these old saws are dangerous lies. Although tree-care companies have year-round expenses and need income in all seasons, a truly…

I’m not one to shed a tear when authoritarian rulers die, but once they’re gone, outdoor dining becomes a lot more dangerous. As summer wanes, the original queen in every yellowjacket (or other social wasp species) colony dies. Turns out that having a few thousand babies in the course of one season is enough to tire any Queen Mum to death. As the original queen starts to forget the names of her…

Recent studies show that trained dogs can sense Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, many forms of cancer, and other serious ailments long before symptoms show up. We may not be able to match such an impressive feat, but it turns out we’re not entirely inept when it comes to prescient diagnostics. There are two simple ways to detect grave illness in trees before they start looking overtly ill. The…

Please don’t blame late-season allergies on goldenrod. Well, not unless you’ve discovered bees going up your nose lately. It turns out that pollen from goldenrod, which is in glorious bloom throughout the region right now, is too heavy to waft on the wind. These plants rely on bees and other pollinators to convey their sticky pollen grains from one flower to another, which is why goldenrods don’t…

Are you looking to spend more time in the backcountry? While spending days or weeks away from civilization is a great adventure, you may have some worries about safety. Garmin in reach and other devices allow for backcountry communication but come with a large price tag. Still, there is something else that allows for 2 way communication and is a fraction of the price. It's traveling through the…

When I was young, what fascinated me most about the outdoors was discovery. The unveiling of a whole teeming world right outside always kept me coming back. One moment I remember fondly was my father showing me a Crayfish for the first time on the shore of Lake Ontario. I couldn't believe that such a strange and fascinating creature with huge pincers and strange long antennae was dwelling in the…

Gardening in the North Country presents unique challenges and opportunities. With its distinct climate, soil conditions, and ecosystem, the North Country is the perfect place to embrace native plants in your garden. Native plants are species that have evolved to thrive in this specific region, making them an excellent choice for sustainable and low-maintenance gardening. Here’s why you should…

Reel in the summer fun with summer fishing! Ah, summer, the days are brighter, the sun is sunnier, and the warm weather is just begging you to go outside. But so often we fail to meet this call, and frequently that begins with running out of ideas. You’ve taken a stroll around town, rode your bike on the trails, and even visited the park for some light hiking. Yet still after all that, you look…

The flags have been picked up, the apples have been eaten, and photos have finally been rounded up, but we're still thrilled with the turnout and fun had at this year's 8th Annual Earth Day 7k! With almost 70 registrants and over $1500 raised, the North Country community demonstrated what generosity, grit, and passion look like this past Sunday, April 21st, 2024. With the course starting on the…