Identifying Trees Without Looking Up
Conventional ways of doing things aren’t always the most effective ways of doing things.
Take tree identification, for instance.
We might think that we have to strain our necks in order to identify trees. If we don’t look up into the canopy, how else are we supposed to learn?
We can look down instead.
When we look down at the forest floor, we discover clues. After analyzing these clues, we can easily determine which trees are growing nearby — without even looking up.
During a recent walk, I attempted to identify trees based on what I observed beneath my feet. I brought my camera along to show you just how effective (and fun!) such an exercise can be.
If you want to learn how to identify trees without looking up, check out the new video!
I also recently posted a new video in which I discuss an edible mushroom known as hen-of-the-woods. To view that video, check out the Learn Your Land Instagram and Facebook pages.
Thanks for reading and watching, and thanks for your continued support!
— Adam Haritan
Straddling The Edge: Deepening The Way Forward
The New Disease That’s Killing An Iconic Tree
American beech has seen better days.
In recent years, a new disease has been threatening its health. Leaves are falling off prematurely. Trees are dying. Researchers are scratching their heads.
Since its initial detection, this mysterious disease has been spreading throughout 12 states and one Canadian province. Some people are already predicting what a world without American beech might look like.
What is this new disease? How bad is it really? Who is the culprit? And will chemical treatments work this time?
In a brand new video, I explore these questions.
Thanks for watching!
—Adam Haritan
A RUSSIAN CELEBRATION W/ ROWAN BERRY JELLY
The Glorious Rosehip
Sassafras: Beauty and Utility
HSA Webinar: Opening the Gift of Herbs with Kids
By Betsy Smith
One very special way that The Herb Society of America shares the gift of herbs is by awarding Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grants. Each year ten grants are awarded for $300 each. Read about some of the exciting projects from some amazing schools across the country that have received these grants.
The garden program at the Tucson Waldorf School recently completed an herb garden in their container garden area. This collection of stock tanks and pots is located near the entrance of the school and is available for people to admire, learn from, work on, and glean. It is their hope that community members will stop by the garden and collect herbs to complement their meals.
Somerset Academy Boco reported that with the HSA Samull Grant, they established an herb garden while implementing these learning objectives: 1. Apply practical knowledge in the form of gardening…
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Growing Dyes and Dye Gardens: A Walk Through a Temperate Dye Garden
The Wildflower That Came Back From The Dead
In 1959, a botanist named Ronald McGregor began a two-year search for a wildflower known as Tennessee purple coneflower.
He knew that Tennessee purple coneflower was rare, but he didn’t know how rare the plant actually was.
Despite his best efforts, Ronald McGregor didn’t find a single specimen. In 1968, he stated that Tennessee purple coneflower was possibly extinct.
Today, things are very different. Tennessee purple coneflower is far from extinct. Anyone who knows where to look can find hundreds of plants. The species is so abundant in some locations that it’s nearly impossible to miss.
What happened in the years between 1968 and 2023? How did Tennessee purple coneflower come back from the dead?
In a brand new video (filmed on location in Tennessee!), I share the remarkable story of this fascinating plant.
You can watch the brand new video here.
Speaking of fascinating plants, prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) is a beautiful wildflower whose distribution in North America is a bit quirky. How so? Check out this recent Instagram post to learn more.
Thanks for reading and watching, and thanks for your continued support!
— Adam Haritan
Paths I Walk 
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