Virgin’s-bower (Clematis virginiana) growing at Grey Fox Conservation land, photo taken on 9/24/22, near the banks of Stony Brook in Westford. According to Native Plant Trust’s Go Botany, this beautiful native is the most common clematis in New England. The Cherokee made an infusion of virgin’s-bower with milkweed (Asclepias) to treat backache, as well as using it in ceremonial medicine to induce dreaming.
Here are a few recent sightings of Monarch Butterflies along with a Tiger Swallowtail, Fritillary and Hummingbird Moth. All enjoying some nectar from Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) which can aggressively reseed so best to keep an eye on where you plant this butterfly attracting shrub. These were all seen in late summer – August and…
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) seen next to Vine Brook April 21, 2020, South Westford – photo courtesy of Ron Gemma NATURE NOTES* By ANNIE REID Westborough Community Land Trust Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps The branches are still bare and the day is chilly, but you know it’s spring when you see a bouquet…
7/2/22 – From trust President Dave Ebiston: Picture taken with an IPhone which was enlarged , he lives under my shed and mows my lawn for me. Per Mass Audubon, Massachusetts is home to two species of wild rabbit—the native New England Cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and the non-native Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). The latter was introduced…
This picture was taken in the morning on October 31st by Jeff Morse at a small nearby pond at the corner of Vose road and Old Lowell Rd in Westford To learn more about Coyotes in MA, check out Mass Audubon at https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/mammals/coyotes
Noted this critter near main post Office in Westford. from INaturalist: Prionoxystus robiniae, the carpenterworm moth or locust borer, is a moth of the family Cossidae.[1] It was first described by Peck in 1818 and it is found in southern Canada and most of the United States. Female (left) and male (right) Caterpillar The wingspan…
Late winter/early spring is the time to look out for activity near your local vernal pool on the first rainy, warm nights of spring. Here are some photos from areas near a few Westford & Littleton vernal pools late March 2023 Any day now, when we get a big soaking rain with a nighttime temperature…
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