November 6, 2024 To say “deciduous plant” implies seasonal leaf senescence (leaf shedding), a process that helps the plant optimize photosynthesis and nutrient efficiency. Senescence is a good survival strategy for plants in that the abundant nutrients within the leaves are not lost, they are transferred to shoots and roots, readying the plant to spring […]
September 12, 2024 The Ants Go Stinging One By One, Hurrah, Hurrah?? Ants exploded out of the gravel and dashed in all directions. In no time many scurried up my glove and onto my skin, blasting formic acid from bottom of their butts. Trying to solve an irrigation problem, I had disrupted an ant colony. […]
August 28, 2024 For eight years, several times each summer, children from the nearby KidsCo summer camp have been visiting FECO. When we see them march around the corner we rush up to the shed to greet them. They range from five to 12 years of age. They are delightful. Often the older kids help […]