Howell Woods

Monday, November 30, 2015

November 2015

Welcome to my photoblog on:

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

My name is James and I am a Biology Major at Campbell University
in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

I love the outdoors and I am hoping to go on to pursue a career in environmental science. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life as a college student. So far, I really enjoy college. Thank you to Howell Woods and to everybody who helped me get this far!!

Link to the facebook fanpage:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photoblog-By-James-Howell-Woods/233829593470397
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"

James________________

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 of contact Director, Jordan Astoske.

http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/

Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221

______________________

November 2015

For the month of November's post, I have decided to go over what is called ecological succession. Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat or by some form of disturbance of an existing community. The former case is often referred to as primary succession, the latter as secondary succession.

The trajectory of ecological change can be influenced by site conditions, by the interactions of the species present, and by more stochastic factors such as availability of colonists or seeds, or weather conditions at the time of disturbance.

“The earth has music for those who listen.”

― George Santayana

In general, communities in early succession will be dominated by fast-growing, well-dispersed species. As succession proceeds, these species will tend to be replaced by more competitive species.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/ecological_succession.htm

Below are photographs that will show you ecological succession of a landscape over time.
You will notice the increase in plant life through each stage.
More plants means more carrying capacity for animals.
Each stage will support more life and have a higher level of biodiversity.

The above photo is an example of a climax community.
A climax community is an ecosystem that has fully grown to support the maximum possible amount of life and diversity.

As one of my former teachers once said, "Nature fills all vacuums."
With vacuum meaning emptiness, this statement means that nature will fill in the blanks if nothing is happening. There is never a void that will not be filled somehow.

No matter what happens, life can and will find a way.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

October 2015

Welcome to my photoblog on:

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

My name is James and I am a Biology Major at Campbell University
in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

Link to the facebook fanpage:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photoblog-By-James-Howell-Woods/233829593470397
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"

James________________

To visit the Howell Woods website, click on the link below of contact Director, Jordan Astoske.

http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/

Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221

______________________

October 2015

For the month of October I have decided to make a post about how enjoying nature relieves stress. Unplug the many devices that have become a big part of our lives, turn off your cell phone, clear your mind and just be with nature. You'll feel refreshed. Hiking or just being outdoors helps me to reset and refocus. The combination of exercise and fresh air for even 30 minutes to me is a big "ahhhhh", that's just what I needed. I guess I am not alone because research studies support the many health benefits both physical and mental, of being outdoors.

It’s physical activity in disguise.

Outdoor environments beg to be explored and discovered. If you hate going to the gym, explore a valley, bush track or a mountain range. Grab a surfboard or kayak and hit the wet stuff. Nature has a great way of ‘disguising’ fitness and making physical activity fun.

It removes us from stressful technology.

Disconnect from the ever-present technological distractions of email, RSS feeds, internet, text messages and constant news updates and get out of the concrete jungle – revive your body and soul by heading back to the bush.

It works fast.

Just five minutes of exercise in a green space, such as a park or a rural area, can boost your mental health, according to a study by the University of Essex in the UK. The greatest effect was seen when the green area contained water, such as a lake, river or the ocean.

http://www.news.com.au/news/why-nature-reduces-stress/story-fn6c7l60-1226036036422

"Nature itself is the best physician" -Hippocrates

"Lie down and listen to the crabgrass grow." -Marya Mannes

"Nature never hurries. Atom by atom, little by little she achieves her work." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green
hills is the most perfect refreshment." -Jane Austin

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

September 2015

Welcome to my photoblog on:

Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

My name is James and I am a Biology Major at Campbell University
in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

Link to the facebook fanpage:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photoblog-By-James-Howell-Woods/233829593470397
"Have a great day, spend it outdoors!"

James________________

To visit the Howell Woods website, click on the link below of contact Director, Jordan Astoske.

http://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/

Jordan Astoske
Director of Howell Woods
jtastoske@johnstoncc.edu
(919) 938-0115 ext. 221

______________________

September 2015

For the month of September, and the approach of the Autumn season, I would like to go over the behaviors animals display in response to this seasonal transition.

"As it turns out, food is the single most important reason that animals migrate. Animals also migrate to avoid extreme heat or cold. Such extreme climates often also impact the availability of food. Animals leaving these harsh environments can avoid the heat or cold and find the food they need." http://idahoptv.org/sciencetrek/topics/animal_migration/facts.cfm

When temperatures become too low to sustain a food source, a species will move into an area where its food grows. The predators that prey on that species, in turn, will also relocate to follow their food.

Many of the animals native to this area can also be observed migrating. Several species we look out of our windows to see will go south for the winter, and when winter arrives, other species can be noticed in the place of the ones that relocated.

I hope one day to be one of those incredibly lucky few who get the chance to witness large migrations such as the ones pictured.

Many organisms also hibernate, or become dormant, as the winter season progresses.

Hibernation is an adaptation that helps many animals conserve energy by remaining inactive, greatly slowing their metabolism and reducing their body temperature for days, weeks or even months at a time. Typically, animals hibernate in order to survive long periods when food is scarce.

www.howitworksdaily.com/environment/why-do-animals-hibernate

A question commonly asked is "Do snakes hibernate?"
The answer is that snakes do not actually hibernate, but rather they become less active during cold weather. It is called brumation, rather than hibernation. Rattlesnakes, in particular, are known to move around during extended warm periods of the winter months.

m.chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/11/15/pav_555814.shtml

Not many people are aware that several reptiles brumate rather than hibernate in the winter.

A lot more information on reptilian brumation can be found at:
http://www.lllreptile.com/info/library/care-and-husbandry-articles/-/reptilian-brumation/