by Jen Weimer There’s a new invasive insect zigzagging its way across North America. First reported by citizen scientists in Quebec in 2020, the elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) has now spread to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. This new pest, which is native[Read More…]
Columns
Good Weekend for Sap Run
HARDWICK – What a difference a week makes. Several days of warm temperatures over the past week, combined with light to moderate rainfall continues to erode away at our snowpack which is already minimal for the season. Valley areas report patchy ground cover of snow, with areas from around 1,500[Read More…]
To me, it was the Mother Lode
EAST MONTPELIER – If you gad about enough and try to do at least one new thing a week, you’re bound to encounter interesting people, educational experiences, and exciting situations. A perfect proof of that came up for me last summer, when I trundled across New England to join my[Read More…]
Vanilla is a Tropical Treat
by Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Most of us recognize that little brown bottle on the spice shelf that imparts a wonderful fragrance and flavor to baked goods and beverages. It’s a staple in our kitchens, but have you ever wondered where[Read More…]
Identifying Trees in Winter
by Henry Homeyer CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Most of us enjoy knowing the names of our acquaintances including trees. It’s tougher to identify trees in winter because most have no leaves, which is how we generally recognize trees. But by observing overall shape, bark, branching patterns, buds and the presence[Read More…]
The Humble Acorn is a Feast for Wildlife
by Laurie D. Morrissey HOPKINTON, N.H. – In a big mast year for oak trees, it seems like there’s a constant barrage of acorns thwacking roofs, parked cars, and sometimes unsuspecting humans. These falling nuts can seem a nuisance. But when I look closely at a little acorn with its[Read More…]
CCV Announces Fall Dean’s List
MONTPELIER – The following students at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) were named to the fall 2023 Dean’s List. This honor recognizes full-time students with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99. They are Abigail Scribner of Cabot, Lillian Soutar of Calais, Emma McAllister of Hardwick and Kayla Mulligan[Read More…]
Two St. J. & L.C. R.R. Trains Collide
HARDWICK – One of the most serious and fatal accidents in the history of the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad occurred at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 1944. About a mile west of the Greensboro Bend station and six miles east of the Hardwick station a west-bound train[Read More…]
Warming, Some Precipitation
HARDWICK – Blustery and cool was the way the forecast period started out on Wednesday. We completely dodged an early-week snowstorm and made up for it heading into Thursday night and Friday as a clipper system and lingering mountain-effect snow showers racked up 4 to 8 inches of snow over[Read More…]
Many a Toast Over the Years
EAST MONTPELIER – This past week, during the excitement of Valentine’s Day and the nocturnal activities of the characters who covered the windows of downtown Montpelier with hundreds of red hearts, a significant birthday passed almost unnoticed. While here in the north country of New England a mediocre winter defies[Read More…]
Monthly Musings
Medication or Meditation SHELBURNE – Children will tell you that school release is forever ago after recess or lunch. Many are itching to move. The kids arrived at Wonder & Wisdom after school with a lot of pent-up energy. We started with vigorous exercise or an energetic game before beginning[Read More…]
