Tuesday, May 20, 2014

May 2014

Welcome to my photoblog on: 
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center


I found this arrowhead when I was photographing the garden. Nice! As I held it, I wondered how long ago some Native American had used this. This reminded me we were not the first inhabitants of this land. 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.

My name is James. I am a senior at South Johnston High School in Benson, NC.
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.  Here'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
_____________________________________

  ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders!

Sign up for the Howell Woods Summer Camp 2014 today!


May 2014 Photoblog

 
The May photoblog focuses on the vegetable garden. Although the garden is mostly for education purposes, the produce is donated to area churches food pantries. In addition to the garden photos I am highlighting the natural areas around the learning center.  The plants and inhabitants of the nearby areas are diverse and create a spark of interest. In a future blog I will touch more on the native plants garden. Be sure to check back in early June as I will be highlighting the hummingbirds of Howell Woods. Some great photos of hummingbirds to post.

Lastly see the latest trail video at the end of this month's post. You can compare it to the one from 2 months ago to see how things have changed.


Howell Woods' Garden 2014
Okra
Cucumbers
Squash
Onions
Eggplant
Beans

Corn
View of Garden and Chickens
Chicken pen
Chickens
Garden at learning center. Cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes.
Peppers and tomatoes
This is from 2013, same area



Passion Fruit Flower
Closeup view of the pond

There are several different species of local birds that visit the feeders outside the learning center.

Redheaded Woodpecker
Iris
Pond Flowers
Pond Flowers Closeup
Plants around pond
Plants around pond
Plants around pond
Flowers around pond
Bird feeders
Behind the learning center
Behind the learning center
Bird Feeders

Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.  -Aldo Leopold

Frog in my hand
Grasses
Me with a black snake that was climbing this pine tree attempting to raid the bird box higher in the tree.
Grey Squirrel
One of many birdhouses at Howell Woods
Frog enjoying lily pond
Frogs and more frogs


Young raccoon at dusk helping itself to the delicious contents of the bird feeder.

 
Busted Again!


Check out the latest trail video taken 5-25-14


Compare the differences between March 15 and May 25.  Notice the contrast between seasons.

March 15 Trail Video

Thursday, April 17, 2014

April 2014

Welcome to my photoblog on: 
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center





My name is James. I am a junior at South Johnston High School in Benson, NC.
I am a huge outdoor enthusiast. Nothing like being out in nature to me. I am
considering a career in ecology or environmental research but not 100% certain at this
point. My family and I have been visiting Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
in Four Oaks, NC for many years.  Last year I was lucky enough to become a volunteer
at Howell Woods. Although I do not get to volunteer as often as I would like
due to my school schedule, I am grateful whenever I can. I spend my time there helping
where ever needed and learning as much as possible.

So what is Howell Woods?
The Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center, or Howell Woods,  is a unique 2,800-acre natural resource designed to provide excellent recreational and educational experiences while fostering environmental stewardship. It is a great place to explore, hike, bicycle, bird watch, hunt,  fish, camp, picnic or come to see the exhibits, museum, and visit the birds of prey, just to name a few. Howell Woods also offers classes and rents out conference rooms for corporate meetings.

As a project for school and to help bring awareness about Howell Woods I decided to start a monthly photoblog. Over the months ahead I plan to add info and share photos on the many different aspects of Howell Woods. Both my father and I take photos for this blog. This is my first attempt writing a blog so I want to keep this simple and pretty straight forward. I hope to make improvements in future blogs as I learn more. I plan to eventually add videos as well. Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to ask questions, make comments and suggestions.

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 learn more about Howell Woods 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
_____________________________________


April 2014

Photos for this month are from Woodstock 2014.  There was something for everyone.  Food vendors, educational exhibits, live music, and fun for young and old.  Look for the next trail video coming soon!  Thank you to the exhibitors, vendors, volunteers, staff, and everyone who took part in making Woodstock a success this year.  Thank you especially to all the visitors who came out to enjoy such a beautiful day!