Chuck Lura

Cottonwoods can be found across the state along streams, shorelines, floodplains, wet meadows, and similar habitats. They have also been planted in shelterbelts, boulevards, and yards. And of course, they are very fond of having their roots tap into groundwater.

Perhaps you’ve been noticing some ducks on the marshes as you traveled over the summer months. If so, I’d bet that one of the most common ducks you saw was a small duck with a white crescent running down on the front side of its head. That is a male blue-winged teal. And if they haven’t left already, they will soon.

Hope for a clear sky next Thursday, August 31: There will be a full moon! But this is not your typical full moon — this will be a Full Moon, Supermoon, and Blue Moon all at once.

The emerald ash borer is an exotic insect. It was first documented in the United States in Michigan in 2002, and has been spreading since. Our native ash trees are very susceptible to this insect pest, which can kill a green ash in as little as three years.

If August had an official color, it would have to be yellow. It seems that everywhere we look right now, yellow flowers predominate.

Have you been on the Maah Daah Hey Trail? If not, you really owe it to yourself to check it out, if you are able. And even if you have been out there, this summer or fall might be a good time to visit again. It has some spectacular scenery and wildlife to enjoy.

Have you noticed any falling stars recently? The Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower started on July 12 and will run through August 23. The peak viewing period is this weekend (July 29-30), with perhaps twenty meteors per hour.

When was the last time you saw a snapping turtle? Snapping turtles are one of four species of turtles native to North Dakota.

Have you ever noticed what looks like a mass of spit on a plant in the woods, on the prairie, or in your garden? I suspect that most of you probably have seen it, but probably gave it little attention. It is called spittle, and it’s produced by a type of insect called a spittlebug.

I recently read about the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Turtle Mountain Conservation Delivery Unit and Plant Materials Center collaborating to provide interested tribal members information on how to grow sweetgrass in their gardens.