Scenes of the Season – December 31, 2010

Goodbye 2010, Turkey Hill;  Arlington

Turkey Hill Park offers expansive views, great vantage points for sunsets.  A reflective moment, on all that has transpired in 2010.

Peace to all, in Arlington, our country, and to all on our fragile and wondrous planet.  Here’s to the adventure and beauty of living!

Photo: Last Sunset in 2010 from Turkey Hill Park,  31 December 2010, Arlington MA;  from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – December 31, 2010

Snowy Ledge, Turkey Hill;  Arlington

Turkey Hill Park is a lesser-known Arlington Park  (map here).  It’s a quiet peaceful place, suddenly a bit more popular maybe due to having “Off Leash Hours” from 6AM to 9AM everyday.  Welcome canines and their people!

Snow highlighted the rock ledges on this New Years Eve Day!

Photo: Rocky Ledges at Turkey Hill,  31 December 2010, Arlington MA;  from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – December 19, 2010

Muskrat Mounds, Great Meadows NWR;  Concord, MA

The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord MA is just a short distance from Arlington, by car or bike (map here).  Great online resources at the US Fish and Wildlife Service site.

Lots of muskrat activity is evident from a dike that goes out into the wetland.  Great network of trails, parking, bathroom facilities.  Worth the trip – plan a visit soon!

Photo: Muskrat Mounds at Concord’s Great Meadows NWR,  19 December 2010, Concord MA;  from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – December 19, 2010

Concord River, Great Meadows NWR;  Concord, MA

The Concord River runs along the northern edge of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord MA . On this cold December day, beautiful ice patterns formed along the edges, leaving the center slowly moving.  The graceful structures of trees along the riverbank was poetically reflected.

For a wonderful website about the Great Meadows NWR see:  Sense of Place Concord by Cherrie Corey.  Guided hike schedule too!

Photo: Concord River at Concord’s Great Meadows NWR,  19 December 2010, Concord MA;  from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – November 21, 2010

No Moon, so, Sunrise!  Arlington, MA

After seeing the spectacular moon set on November 13, I’d hoped to get a photo of the full moon setting over Spy Pond.  Crystal clear skies at midnight, but a thick cloud layer hid the setting moon at 6:20 AM.

Spy Pond was dimly lit by the first scattered rays of light, and very quiet, even the birds still at this early Sunday hour.  Turning around, the rising sun was pink through the clouds and trees along the Minuteman Bikeway.

Photo: Sunrise Through Trees and Clouds,  21 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – November 21, 2010

Golden Willow, Spy Pond;  Arlington, MA

Most trees along Spy Pond and the bikeway have now lost all their leaves, showing numerous squirrels nests in the upper branches.

The willow near the waters edge though still hangs on with a vibrant splash of color.  Willows are also among the first trees to show a shimmer of green in early Spring.

Photo: Golden Willow at Spy Pond, Late Fall,  21 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – November 13, 2010

Spy Pond Moon Set #1;  Arlington, MA

Saturday November 13 2010 was an unusually warm and pleasant day in Arlington.  The moon set at 11:20 PM over Spy Pond that night was truly spectacular.  Click through the three photos in sequence here to follow the moon’s graceful descent to the horizon.

In it’s “First Quarter” phase, the moon appears as a half-lit disc.  First Quarter means the moon is 1/4 of the way through it’s monthly cycle.  The moon “waxes” towards a Full Moon on November 21st.  The November Full Moon will set about  6:30 AM.

Photo:  Spy Pond November Moon Set Photo 1,  13 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions or Comments welcome.

Scenes of the Season – November 13, 2010

Spy Pond Moon Set #2;  Arlington, MA

At this time of year, and viewed from the edge of Spy Pond at Linwood Circle, the moon sets across the  pond and behind the ridge that runs along Pleasant Street between Brunswick Road and Kensington Park. Where does the moon set near your house at this time of year?

When the moon is in it’s “First Quarter” phase, it rises near noon and sets near midnight.  When the moon is “Full”, moon rise is near sunset and moon set is near dawn.

Photo:  Spy Pond November Moon Set Photo 2,  13 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – November 13, 2010

Spy Pond Moon Set #3;  Arlington, MA

The November Full Moon is known as the Beaver Moon or sometimes the Frosty Moon.  The night these photos were taken temperatures were in the mid 40s, but often in November it can be even cooler.

Even though I’ve lived in Arlington for over 8 years, I didn’t know that great moon sets were visible from Spy Pond until I noticed by chance, while  riding on the bike path.  Of course, the position will change with the seasons.  November seems to be a great month for it.

Photo:  Spy Pond November Moon Set Photo 3,  13 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – November 3, 2010

Season’s First Hard Frost;  Arlington, MA

Thorndike Field was shimmering with a white frost this morning.  While temperatures may have dipped below freezing on some nights already this year, frost formation requires specific circumstances:  the dew point temperature must be lower than freezing with winds calm.  Citrus growers in Florida and California sometimes install large fans to prevent frost.

Photo:  Thorndike Field Early Morning 3 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – November 3, 2010

Season’s First Hard Frost;  Arlington, MA

Frost can make beautiful patterns on grass and Fall leaves.  When the air is heavy with water vapor and conditions are right, spectacularly large crystals can form, as photographed in December 2008 for the Arlington Natural Connections Blog.

Photo:  Frosty Grass and Leaves at Thorndike Field,  3 November 2010, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 27, 2010

Only a Few Golden Leaves Left;  Arlington, MA

The Unitarian Universalist sugar maple at Arlington Center now with most leaves gone, shows its impressively strong and elegant branch structure.

We’ve had wide temperature swings this past week, some days feeling like summer, some nights dipping near freezing.  This photo was taken on October 27, in early morning fog, a common occurrence lately.

Photo:  UU Sugar Maple Late October, Mass Ave and Pleasant Streets, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 26, 2010

Mist over Spy Pond;  Arlington, MA

Of the 7 bodies of water in Arlington, Spy Pond may be the best known.  Located near Arlington Center, and visible from the Minuteman Bikeway, Spy Pond views vary widely from day to day and from season to season.  On this morning, an atmospheric low-lying fog layer made for a picturesque scene.  With little wind, the water surface was glassy, reflecting the colorful fall trees and clouds overhead.

Photo:  Spy Pond from Linwood Cirle, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 26, 2010

Waning Morning Moon;  Arlington, MA

A waning morning moon, heading down for a later morning moonset is visible between these oak trees on Old Colony Road, about 7AM.  Next full moon:  November 21.  These trees will be showing bare branches then.

Photo:  Morning Waning Moon, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 18, 2010

Fall Roses;  Cambridgeport, MA

It seems roses have been beautiful since early spring and all throughout the summer.  Many varieties put out a “last bloom” in Fall, like these along Magazine street, one of the more attractive boulevards leading to Central Square.

Photo:  Fall Roses, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 17, 2010

Update on Arlington Center Landmark Tree;  Arlington, MA

The sugar maple in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church at Arlington Center has now lost many leaves from the upper branches, and has only a few green leaves left.

How soon before all the leaves are gone?

Photo:  UU Sugar Maple Mid October, Mass Ave and Pleasant Streets, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – October 16, 2010

Invasive Bittersweet;  Winchester, MA

As part of Winchester’s Environmental Fair, wetlands scientist Nancy Lin, led a nature walk along the Aberjona river, just on the other side of the train platform from the town common.

While the river did look pretty, many invasive species were in evidence, including bittersweet – one of the worst.  The bright yellow berries will soon shed their outer skins to reveal a bright red.  The vines are deadly to trees and other plants – please help eradicate this bad actor!

Photo:  Bittersweet Berry in October (thanks Nancy Lin); from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us)..

Scenes of the Season – September 26, 2010

Arlington Center Landmark Tree;  Arlington, MA

This sugar maple in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church at Arlington Center is a prominent gauge of the progress of seasonal change.

Daily change is especially evident in Fall and Spring.  This photo was taken the day after Town Day, and shows red colors just beginning at the periphery of this tree’s wonderful canopy.

Photo:  UU Sugar Maple Early Fall, Mass Ave and Pleasant Streets, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 25, 2010

Acorn Art;  Arlington, MA

Acorns covered the patios and sidewalks of Arlington.  They were numerous, at time hazardous to walking or biking.

This acorn art is modeled, appropriately, after an actual oak leaf.

Photo:  Acorn Art – Oak Leaf, 5 Old Colony Road, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 23, 2010

Welcome Fall 2010;  Cambridge, MA

Fall 2010 arrived in Arlington at 11:09 PM on September 23.  This collection of mums was already in place, just in case anyone was in doubt of the change of seasons.

The National Chrysanthemum Society tells us that petals on chrysanthemums are actually florets. The chrysanthemum flower has two types of florets – ray florets that would be called petals on a daisy, and disc florets that are the center florets in a daisy type of bloom.  Take a closer look, next time you see them.

Photo:  Out Come the Fall Mums!, Sydney Street, Cambridge MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 18, 2010

Great Meadows Third Saturday Nature Walk;  Arlington, MA

Arlington’s Great Meadows put on a vibrant mix of colors and bloom for all to enjoy.  This scene is from the boardwalk.

The Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows have shown exemplary environmental stewardship of this local treasure, under the leadership of David White.  Installation of the boardwalk in 2005 provided both increased access and protection.

Photo:  Early Fall 2010 on the Boardwalk at Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 10, 2010

Spider;  Arlington, MA

This photo doesn’t do justice to the intricate and structurally impressive web this spider has built.  I can’t bear to harm a spider, such artistic and industrious creatures.

The web has been in place for over three weeks and counting, through rain and wind.  Can anyone tell us more about the species and their life cycle?   See collaborator request on our ABOUT page under “OPPORTUNITIES”.

Photo:  Spider in Web, 5 Old Colony Road, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 3, 2010

A Calm Hurricane Earl;  Boston, MA

While Hurricane Earl was an impressively large storm making its way northward along the Atlantic coast of the US, by the time of it’s early evening arrival in the New England area it had lost it’s vigor and destructive power.

Photo was taken from the outdoor atrium area of the Boston Seaport World Trade Center, looking along the harbor.

Photo:  Calm Hurricane Earl, Boston Seaport MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – September 3, 2010

Season for Sedum;  Arlington, MA

Sedum is fun to watch, slowing making progress toward late summer or fall bloom. SEPTEMBER is the month for it’s most showy display.  It also seems to be popular with bees.

Relatively drought tolerant, they are perfect plants to locate near an outdoor sitting area.  With so many diverse varieties, it could become a plant hobby in itself!

Photo:  Radiant Seedum in Morning Light, Arlington MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – July 24, 2010

July Full Moon;  Storrs, CT

The full moon is always special, but in summer, it’s so much easier to linger outside in the cooling evening and enjoy its radiance.

Photo:  July 2010 Full Moon, Storrs, CT; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – July 17, 2010

Saco River Sunset;  Biddeford, ME

Mid summer often brings lush and vivid sunsets.

The Saco River, as seen from the University of New England.  This is the overnight stop for the “Seacoast Safari” bike fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Photo:  Saco River Sunset, University of New England, Biddeford ME; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 27, 2010

Pink Poppy;  Newbury, MA

Newbury Perennial Gardens is an “off the beaten path” find.  Besides being a nursery and garden center, they also have a delightful display garden.  In June, so many plants are in full bloom, or about to POP like this one.

Photo:  Emerging Poppy at Newbury Perennial Gardens, Newbury MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us)..

Scenes of the Season – June 27, 2010

Profusion of Poppies;  Newbury, MA

Poppies in the emergent, full bloom, and seed capsule stages at Newbury Perennial Gardens.  JUNE is the month for BLOOM!  Poppies come in many, many colors, not just girly pink!

The Newbury Perennial Gardens is such a beautiful and peaceful place, the Arlington Natural Connections really must cover soon in our blog.

Photo:  Frilly Pink Poppies at Newbury Perennial Gardens, Newbury MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 27, 2010

Poppy Seed Capsule;  Newbury, MA

As beautiful as the poppy flowers are, the seed capsules reveal a simplicity,  engaging geometric form and serenity all their own. Count the seams on the capsule – there are ten.  Hmmm, the number ten rings a bell ……  fingers and toes …..

Tempted to take some of these to include in an Arlington Natural Connections “Collection”, but no, not from here.

Photo:  Poppy Capsule at Newbury Perennial Gardens, Nebury MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 18, 2010

Arden Court;  Cambridge, MA

A display of flowers adds a sense of vitality and beauty to an urban setting, greeting apartment dwellers as they return home.

Even these small spaces can provide important habitat for insects and birds, a goal now being promoted locally by Grow Native Cambridge.  Articulated eloquently by Dan Tallamy in “Bringing Nature Home“.

Photo:  Spy Pond in Early Spring, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome(email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 18, 2010

Clematis;  Cambridgeport, MA

In June, clematis are a reliable climbing vine of intense color.  Along with the ubiquitous day lilies they insure insure that June is a celebration of bloom and color.

Not too far from Arlington, there is a nursery in Ipswich, that specializes in clematis:  COMPLETELY CLEMATIS.  Call or visit for advice on your favorite colors and extending bloom throughout the summer.

Photo:  Purple Clematis, Cambridgeport MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 18, 2010

Elderberry;  Cambridge, MA

Elderberry also shows it’s lacy bloom at this time of year in our area.  The plant shown here grows along the main Cambridge Post Office near Central Square.

Photo:  Elderberry Along Central Square Post Office, Cambridge MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 18, 2010

Elderberry Up Close;  Cambridge, MA

The Elderberry has many tine flower clusters in lacy groupings.

Photo:  Elderberry Up Close, Central Square, Cambridge MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 9, 2010

Roses in June;  Cambridge, MA

Roses seem to be prolific this year, coming quite early and in great abundance. I think of June as the month for roses. So does June Tabor, who sings about it with her soulful and deep voice here:  June Tabor “A Rose in June”

Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses …

Photo:  Front Yard Roses, Hamilton Street, Cambridge MA.

June 9, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – June 7, 2010

Minuteman Bikeway;  Arlington, MA

“Microbursts” mini, tornado-like winds did some surprise damage along the Minuteman path overnight.

While afternoon thunderstorms are beginning to feature at a this time of year, these more damaging events are, thankfully, fairly rare.

Photo:  Overnight Microburst Damage on the Minuteman Bikeway.
June 7, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – May 31, 2010

Nashua River Trail;  Pepperhill, MA

The Nashua River Rail Trail is a great place to bike, with views of the river in many sections.  This photo was taken just south of Pepperhill.

Biking through an area is a thrill for all the senses, and connects to the environment in a special way.  Arlington Natural Connections is interested in bicycling for many reasons, and will promote it as a joyful and practical activity for all.

Photo:  Biking the Nashua River Trail, Pepperhill MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – May 29, 2010

Become a Locavore;  Rutland, MA

Flo’s Country Farm Stand in Rutland (Central MA) is an example of the rising number of local and regional farms.  Americans are waking up to the folly of transporting food great distances.  Estimates of more than 1200 miles for a typical American meal are not uncommon.

Locally, I am happy whenever I see the large fields being farmed at Wilson Farm in Lexington, and even happier when I pay a visit and sample their delicious produce.

Photo:  Flo’s Farm Stand, Rutland MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – May 23, 2010

Cohasset Inlet;  Cohasset, MA

While May has seen a lot of sunny weather, on this morning a light fog hugged the coastal areas near this inlet in Cohasset, at the upper “corner” of the South Shore, where the Boston Harbor ends and the Massachusetts Bay begins.

Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors.  This morning the fisherman in red caught a nice big Striped Bass just after this photo was snapped.  Above the legal size limit, he called it “dinner”.

Photo:  Cohasset Inlet, Atlantic Avenue, Cohasset MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – May 1, 2010

Bleeding Heart;  Arlington, MA

Dicentra, commonly called “Bleeding Heart” for obvious reasons, add a bright shot of color to the spring garden.

Photo:  Dicentra, Hot Pink! 5 Old Colony Rd, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – May 1, 2010

Winter Moth Caterpillar;  Arlington, MA

Last November we discussed the arrival of the Winter Moths .  Well today the moth eggs have hatched and the caterpillars are dropping from the trees, mighty hungry.

Looks tiny, but they arrive in such numbers, and grow bigger and bigger as they chew off the leaves, and depositing their droppings below.

Photo:  Winter Moth Caterpiller in May, 5 Old Colony Rd, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 28, 2010

Yellow Flower Fountain;  Cambridge, MA

A veritable spray of yellow flower next to this porch in Cambridgeport.  I couldn’t identify this plant; thought it might be a type of broom.

One online resource for plant identification and images: the  PLANTS Database from the USDA.  This database contains primarily native plants.  Horticultural and cultivated  plants are generally not included.

Photo:  Yellow Flower Fountain, Cambridgeport MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 28, 2010

Yellow Flower up Close;  Cambridge, MA

A closer look at the yellow flower.

Photo:  Yellow Flower up Close, Cambridgeport MA; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 17, 2010

Oak Blossom;  Lexington, MA

These oak buds were photographed at Arlington’s Great Meadows during a “Third Saturday Nature Walk” led by Don Miller.  The Great Meadows harbor a diversity of flora, and Don Miller shares his vast knowledge of native plants in a generous and entertaining way every third Saturday from Spring to Fall.

See the Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows website for information on these hikes, news and access.

Photo:  Wet Oak Tree Blossom, Arlingtons Great Meadows, Lexington; from Jack Johnson

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 4, 2010

Star Magnolia;  Arlington, MA

Star Magnolia trees burst out in a prolific display of delicate  white flowers.  Sometimes short-lived due to strong winds, this year we have enjoyed them for a good long while.  Smaller specimens can be seen near the aptly named “Magnolia Field” opposite Thorndike Field near the Alewife end of the Minuteman Bikeway.

Photo:  Star Magnolia, Overlook Rd, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 3, 2010

Spy Pond in Early Spring;  Arlington, MA

In early spring especially, when tree leaves are sparse, views of Spy Pond makes the section of the Minuteman Bikeway just east of Arlington Center one of the most beautiful along the 11 mile trail.

A redevelopment project in recent years is something that all Arlingtonians can be proud of, making the shoreline more accessible and attractive.

Photo:  Spy Pond in Early Spring, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – April 3, 2010

Bikeway Day!   Arlington, MA

The Minuteman Bikeway is a treasured local resource, used year-around by Arlingtonians and visitors alike.   The warm temperatures on this fine April day turned the path into a celebration.

Try walking the Minuteman in small sections, on different days, from Alewife to Lexington.  Take in the varying character.  Keep right!

Photo:  Warm April Sunday on the Minuteman, Swan Place entrance, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – March 25, 2010

Crocus;  Arlington, MA

Crocus are always early, the exact date depending on the prevailing weather and the “microclimate” where they are planted.  I didn’t catch the earliest ones this year, but by late March the displays were spectacular!

Photo:  Crocus, 5 Old Colony Road, Arlington MA.

March 25, 2010;  Sally Naish, Light and Shade Garden Design

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – March 7, 2010

Warm Sunset, Turkey Hill;  Arlington, MA

With temperatures reaching almost 60 degrees the warmth in this Sunday evening  sunset is real, and welcome.  Turkey Hill is a gem, a small bit of conservation land.  Not known to everyone, a little hard to find, see map:  Turkey Hill Conservation Land, Arlington MA

Photo:  Turkey Hill Sunset, Arlington MA.

March 7, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – March 6, 2010

Snowdrops;  Arlington, MA

These tiny flowering bulbs called Snowdrops are often the first signs of spring.  Located in a warm patch near a porch, they push up in February.  They are so early (way before crocuses) that it’s easy to miss the green shoots, being pleasantly surprised by the full flowers.  Tiny, only about 6″ tall, they are always a welcome sight, and a hopeful sentinel of spring.

Photo:  Snowdrops, 5 Old Colony Road, Arlington MA.

March 6, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – March 6, 2010

Hardy Green in Winter;  Arlington, MA

A leafy shrub that stays green in winter:  The variegated leaf of “Leucothoe “Girard’s Rainbow”” is a welcome sign of life.   Available locally from Weston Nurseries.  Alternate native varieties also available.

Photo:  Leucothoe “Girard’s Rainbow”, 5 Old Colony Road, Arlington MA.

March 6, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of The Season – February 28, 2010

Witch Hazel, Early Bloom;  Arlington, MA

With many weeks to wait before we see forsythia flowers, the unmistakable and impossible to miss sign that spring has arrived, the native “Witch Hazel” is already beginning to unfurl it’s blossoms.

The color is especially welcome at a this time of year, and on warmer days, a pleasant fragrance.

Photo:  Witch Hazel, Just Beginning to Bloom.
February 28, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – February 17, 2010

A Light But Even Snow;  Hutchinson and Morningside Sts, Arlington, MA

Most of our snow this year seems to have fallen in the mid-Atlantic states to the south.  On this morning, a light but even snow turned the landscape into an enchanting white.  Can you pick out the tiny steeple of the church in Winchester to the North East?

Photo:  Morning Snow Cover, Looking Toward Winchester MA
February 17, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – February 17, 2010 Snowman

Funky Snowman;  Cambridge, MA

Wet sticky snow provided the perfect material for building snowmen.  The Cambridgeport section of Cambridge has many “pocket parks”.  These small parks  break up the monotony of an urban environment.

Thomas Hoving was an early advocate and proponent for pocket parks in New York City.  Later he was director of the MET art museum.  He left us in December 2009.

Photo:  Funky Snowman, Dana Park, Cambridgeport.
February 17, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – February 6, 2010

Sedum Emerging;  Arlington, MA

Sedums are prolific in variety, providing great visual interest in home gardens.  Some varieties are ideal for “Green Roofs” like those designed by Apex Green Roofs a Somerville company.  Some varieties also act like seasonal clocks, emerging early and saving their showy displays for Fall.

Arlington Natural Connections is interested in local green roofs, and will present more features on this topic in future.

Photo:  Sedum Emerging Early February, 5 Old Colony Rd, Arlington; from Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside yourself and experience Nature firsthand!   Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – January 1, 2010

Beech Tree Up Close;  Concord, MA

Closer detail, showing the creases and texture that develop in older beech trees where branches meet.

When you get the chance, touch things you find in nature – often the actual texture is a little different than expected.  Of course, be a little careful for plants like, well, the ubiquitous poison ivy, sumac, oak. (Come along on a “3rd Saturday” hike in Arlington’s Great Meadows, where you can learn to unmistakably identify these plants).

Photo: Beech Tree in Snow, Up Close, near NPS North Bridge Visitor Center. January 2, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – January 1, 2010

Beech Trees near NPS; Concord, MA

Crossing over the bridge behind “The Old Manse”, the Minuteman National Park Service Site North Bridge Visitor Center has some beautiful beech trees growing in front.

When trees are without their leaves in winter, it is easier to appreciate their form, branching structure and bark texture. Beech trees have a wonderfully smooth bark. A dusting of snow further enhances the visual impact.

Photo: Beech Tree in Snow, near NPS North Bridge Visitor Center. January 2, 2010; Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).

Scenes of the Season – January 1, 2010

The Old Manse;  Concord, MA

The Old Manse in nearby Concord MA offers historical and cultural interest in a beautiful natural setting. The “Manse” is a historic house at the site of “the shot heard round the world” as immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his “Concord Hymm” (1837):

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard ’round the world.”

Photo: Concord River, looking South from Old North Bridge, January 2, 2010;  Joe Snodgrass, Arlington Natural Connections

Enjoy these recent photos of outdoor scenes from nearby Arlington, then get outside and experience Nature firsthand! Contributions to this photo series welcome (email us).