Past & Present Landscapes

Some of Ohio's fossils may be hidden in your very own creek, like the fossilized elk bone found in Mount Sterling, Ohio pictured on the left.

What was once a barren understory filled with invasive species has been transformed into a native garden with flowers from spring into fall.

When you learn the landscape, your reality can feel like a dream, like it did on this day pictured harvesting wild blackberries beneath a double rainbow.

Recognizing our natural resources means we don't have to outsource all of them, like the plentiful and medicinal turkeytail mushrooms pictured.

The Isle of Skye in Scottland is a place I was able to visit during my early deep dives into ecology. I had traveled extensively prior to this trip, but this was one of my earliest travels at the beginning of my ecological studies. Seeing the plant commu

What if your craft store is in your backyard? Pictured is a wreath made with wild grapevines collected from my landscape.

Every season brings opportunities, like this large morel mushroom pictured.

What if you're walking right by a local delicacy? Pictured is a large patch of wild leeks.

American columbo, the special wildflower pictured, can take up to 30 years to flower, making every patch a truly special find worth protecting.

Wild plums thrive on retired agricultural land like the old horse ranch where I live.

Skunk cabbage, an ancient and unusual plant, can be found in large groupings along riparian areas.

With strategic mowing plans in place, once boring lawns can permit a gorgeous away of seasonal blooms. Pictured are spring beauties in my front yard.

Tales from the past are within reach for those who can read the landscape. This arrowhead is one of many we've found on Ohio properties.

This spindle fungus found in woodland environments perplexes mycologists.

Even invasive species have their uses, like these bundles of autumn olive branches that we used to create garden borders.

Wildlife can take up residence in unexpected places, like this solitary bee taking advantage of old nail holes.

These marsh marigolds, rare wildflowers in Ohio, were found in area planned for development. Thanks to the property owners, we were able to relocate a portion of them to our own landscape where they persist to this day.

It may look a little strange, but this alien-like lifeform is actually a fungus that relies both on juniper trees and apple trees to carry out its full lifecycle.

Japanese honeysuckle vine is very invasive in Ohio, but the blooms also make for the most delicious iced tea!

Giant puffball mushrooms are a fun find during autumn.

Giant puffball mushrooms are a fun find during autumn.