August 29, 2022 It’s a patch of pale purple among late summer’s dry crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and the buzzing songs of the insects. A […]
Five late-summer wildflowers and the complex world of their bees
August 18, 2022 Sometimes, a day in the field doesn’t go as planned. I had started out this morning thinking that it would be a […]
Bumblebees of Helena: getting to know our fuzzy neighbors
July 27, 2022 She’s fuzzy and yellow, the size of my thumb. The pollen basket on her hind leg holds an orange loaf as she […]
Creatures in the milkweed: searching for Montana’s monarchs
July 21, 2022 I first notice the scent from 40 yards away, subtle but powerful. The milkweed is fragrant, almost like carnations. I’m at the […]
Full of life: a morning in the sagebrush
July 12, 2022 As soon as I step out of the car, the smell of the sagebrush washes over me. It’s a heady smell, bitter […]
How to attract more bees: plant milkvetch
June 23, 2022 Last week I found a surprising diversity of pollinators feeding on leafy spurge, a flower that everyone hates. But I also noticed […]
This horrible weed feeds pollinators
June 16, 2022 I think I may be the only person in Helena with a fondness for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Yes, I’m talking about […]
Moscas para el almuerzo: adoptando la perspectiva de un ave
2 de junio de 2022 Las aves ven el mundo diferente. Nosotros vemos en rojo, verde y azul—pero las aves pueden ver un cuarto “color […]