Welcome to my photoblog on:
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
My name is James. I am a senior at South Johnston High School in Benson, NC.
I love the outdoors and plan to make a career out of environmental science or biotechnology. I'm not positive as to my major as of this moment, but conservation is high on my list.
We inherited a pristine planet. It is my hope that we leave our planet clean, healthy and rich with resources for future generations. Please consider voting for politicians that are environmentally conscious.
I plan to utilize technology, social media and photography in hopes to inspire and motivate others to get outdoors, to enjoy and treasure the many diverse resources this state has to offer. It is a concern to me that people my age seem less interested in being outdoors and enjoying nature. Sure we have many involved in team sports, and that is great, but what about our state parks?
We are becoming a society that is heavily influenced by social media. Most everyone today is involved in some form of social media be it for personal or business purposes. My thought is engage others on this social platform for the benefit of our natural resources and our state parks. It is also a way for me to share my love of nature with others. So I hope you enjoy my photoblog on Howell Woods. I plan to start other photoblogs featuring different NC State Parks in the near future.
If you've been to my photoblog before, welcome back. If this is your first time visiting my photoblog, thanks for stopping by and please follow me on facebook for updates. Below there's the link to my facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photoblog-By-James-Howell-Woods/233829593470397
To learn more about Howell Woods, please see my previous posts for info, photos, and videos.
If you've never been to Howell Woods I hope this blog will peak your interest enough that you will visit. It is a treasure located in Johnston County and one of my favorite places.
To visit the Howell Woods website, click on the link below.
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/
Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"
James
All photos were taken by and are copyright property of James and Wade Giddens
_________________________
See Howell Woods' updated website!
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/
Saturday, October 25, 2014, 10am – 12pm
Bats are amazing but often misunderstood creatures. In this class, we will learn about the anatomy of these gentle mammals, how they find hunt, and how they interact with each other. We will bust some myths in this class, so prepare all of your spooky stories, we'll find out which ones are true! This class is appropriate for all ages!
Program fee $15
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115
Saturday, November 1, 2014, 10am – 12pm
Learn about different coping mechanisms for the quickly approaching winter; who hibernates? Who migrates? Find out in this class as we discover the challenges each animal faces when preparing for these stages.
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115.
Saturday, November 15, 2014, 9 – 11am
If you've ever wanted to keep your own chickens, but were not sure where to start, this class is for you! We will discuss building and maintaining a coop, what to feed your chickens and pest control.
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115.
This month's post features native pests and their effects on the ecosystems they're a part of.
Concerning pest control, there is an ever present question
What is the best way to control these pests without harming non target organisms?
If you've ever heard of, or read, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, you have an idea of what happens when pest control is managed poorly. The book is about how dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane "DDT" went into the environment and biomagnified through the food chains to the point where it was depleting the population of many species and endangering them. It was highly toxic to the ecosystem, but it could've been controlled. DDT is one of many other examples out there.
There are other methods of pest control, like variations of Integrated Pest Management, which use no chemical pesticides to manage pests.
Research is being done to find the best methods of pest management, which ties into what I want to do: find the best possible ways to use what we have while still protecting the environment.
Fall Webworm Moth
Black Soldier Fly
Wasps, Hornets and, Yellow Jackets
Wasps, Hornets and, Yellow Jackets are pollinators, but are less efficient than bees when it comes to pollination. They can be considered pests when you are on the wrong end of their stinger. Late in the season, they are among many insects who eat the ripened fruit off of our fruit trees. Especially our peaches and apples.
Yellow Jackets are like the wasps, but can be more aggressive if one goes near their nest.
Powdery Mildew
Mildew is a pesky fungal disease rather than a pest animal. Powdery mildew diseases are caused by fungi in the Erysiphales order. It can be managed by chemicals, genetic resistance, and careful growing methods.
Stinkbug Larvae
Squash Bugs
Pecan Weevil
Carpenter Bee
Redheaded Woodpecker
October 2014
Upcoming Events
Brushing up on Bats
Howell Woods Nature Center ClassroomSaturday, October 25, 2014, 10am – 12pm
Bats are amazing but often misunderstood creatures. In this class, we will learn about the anatomy of these gentle mammals, how they find hunt, and how they interact with each other. We will bust some myths in this class, so prepare all of your spooky stories, we'll find out which ones are true! This class is appropriate for all ages!
Program fee $15
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115
Hiding out for Winter
Howell Woods Nature Center ClassroomSaturday, November 1, 2014, 10am – 12pm
Learn about different coping mechanisms for the quickly approaching winter; who hibernates? Who migrates? Find out in this class as we discover the challenges each animal faces when preparing for these stages.
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115.
Pecking around the Chicken Coop
Howell Woods Nature Center ClassroomSaturday, November 15, 2014, 9 – 11am
If you've ever wanted to keep your own chickens, but were not sure where to start, this class is for you! We will discuss building and maintaining a coop, what to feed your chickens and pest control.
To register for an event contact Jordan Astoske jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu (919) 938-0115.
NATIVE PESTS
Just like plants, we have pests native to our area.This month's post features native pests and their effects on the ecosystems they're a part of.
Concerning pest control, there is an ever present question
What is the best way to control these pests without harming non target organisms?
If you've ever heard of, or read, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, you have an idea of what happens when pest control is managed poorly. The book is about how dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane "DDT" went into the environment and biomagnified through the food chains to the point where it was depleting the population of many species and endangering them. It was highly toxic to the ecosystem, but it could've been controlled. DDT is one of many other examples out there.
There are other methods of pest control, like variations of Integrated Pest Management, which use no chemical pesticides to manage pests.
Research is being done to find the best methods of pest management, which ties into what I want to do: find the best possible ways to use what we have while still protecting the environment.
Fall Webworm Moth
Wasps, Hornets and, Yellow Jackets
Wasps, Hornets and, Yellow Jackets are pollinators, but are less efficient than bees when it comes to pollination. They can be considered pests when you are on the wrong end of their stinger. Late in the season, they are among many insects who eat the ripened fruit off of our fruit trees. Especially our peaches and apples.
Yellow Jackets are like the wasps, but can be more aggressive if one goes near their nest.
Mildew is a pesky fungal disease rather than a pest animal. Powdery mildew diseases are caused by fungi in the Erysiphales order. It can be managed by chemicals, genetic resistance, and careful growing methods.
Stinkbug Larvae
Squash Bugs
Pecan Weevil
Carpenter Bee
