Joseph Cornell to speak in Ann Arbor on Oct. 16

Many parents and teachers treasure a book called "Sharing Nature with Children" by Joseph Cornell.

It's exciting to hear he's coming to Ann Arbor soon, and a public presentation is scheduled for Friday, October 16. 2009 at 4 PM.

More details soon.

Ironweed and coneflower in abundance

If you visit the wet meadows this week, you will see a profusion of dark-purple flowers on tall stems - ironweed is making its annual show. It contrasts beautifully with the light yellow blossoms of coneflower, prairie dock and stiff goldenrod.

Some joe-pye is blooming in the sunniest spots. Bee balm and milkweed blooms are nearly finished. (The wet meadows are a week or two ahead of my backyard, where there's more shade.)






The bumblebees are placidly gathering pollen, and some goldfinches were gathering insects this morning to feed their young. It's first-hand evidence of Prof. Tallamy's principle: native plants are the basis for abundant birds and other wildlife.