In most parts of the world, the tradition of burning a Yule log, sometimes called a Christmas log, has largely fizzled out. While holiday cards may show charming birch logs aflame in a hearth, old-time Yule logs in 6th and 7th century Europe looked more like saw-logs. Some of them wouldn’t fit in a house, let alone a fireplace. Because these monster tree trunks were meant to burn all day, and in certain cultures for twelve continuous days, they were typically oak, a dense, hard wood that burns a long time.

When most people think about microplastics, they imagine large, crowded cities or polluted coastlines.

Cooper is a junior from Waterbury, Vermont, majoring in Data Science with a possible minor in Mathematics. He enjoys skiing at Stowe Mountain when he's back home, as well as hiking in the St. Lawrence and Adirondack regions. He loves spending time outdoors with his dog, Bo, especially on long walks.

My name is Sage Kehr, and I attend St. Lawrence University as a prospective Conservation Biology major and Native American History minor. I love to be outdoors and enjoy hiking, swimming, and being around wildlife and animals. I dream of working in an animal rehabilitation center and saving endangered species.

Proceeds from calendar sales benefit Nature Up North's community outreach initiatives. Each year, Nature Up North reaches thousands of local residents through guided hikes, paddles, workshops, and K-12 programs. Thanks for your support!

Thimble and Blossom let us know that they loved all of the nature questions you had for them this year, and loved the fairy drawings some folks left behind! Despite the dry conditions this summer, the rain this fall made for a beautiful fall foliage season and made it possible for Thimble and Blossom to stick around into November. They had to head south in search of warmer climates for the winter, but before they left, they took a moment to write their answers to your questions down and share them with us!