Spider Origami

Spider folds blade of grass,

Enclosing her eggs and herself

Never to see the sun again.

(Click to enlarge)

A few years ago I spotted some neatly folded grass blades in a clump of Switchgrass in the front yard. A closer look showed that the grass blade had been folded twice, the first fold about six inches from the tip and the second fold brought the tip back up. The edges of the grass were stuck together by silk, in such a way that they made a small, three-sided purse, with tapered ends. I found two more grass blades folded in the same manner, so I decided to open one up to see what was inside. 

Ramble Report August 22 2019

Today's Ramble was led by Dale Hoyt.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don, unless otherwise credited.)

Today's post was written by Don Hunter and Dale Hoyt.

Today’s Focus: Learning how to count pollinators for the Great Georgia Pollinator Census

25 Ramblers met today.

Announcement:  The Great Georgia Pollinator Census begins tomorrow, August 23. Ramblers that would like to count pollinators at the Garden can meet Dale, Don and Linda at 9AM tomorrow and we will assist them with their counts. Please arrive promptly at 9 because the Plaza is being used for a ceremony tomorrow and we must vacate it.

Ramble Report August 15 2019

Today's Ramble was led by Dale Hoyt.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don, unless otherwise credited.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt.

Today’s Focus: Learning to identify some kinds of pollinators (for participation in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, Aug. 23, 24.)

35 Ramblers met today.

Announcement: Lauren told us that August 23 and 24 are the dates for the Great Georgia Pollinator Census.  UGA and the Bot Garden will be participating.  The Nature Ramblers will be contributing to this citizen science effort.  The August 22 Nature Ramble will be a dry run/learning experience to get the Ramblers ready for their participation.  Details of the census are available at this link. The guide can be downloaded and the census sheet printed. Participation is voluntary and can be done in your own garden or a public place like the State Botanical Garden. Registration is not necessary.

Today's reading: Catherine read a passage from The Naturalist's Notebook: Tracking Changes in the Natural World Around You by Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich

What is a naturalist?

Ramble Report August 8 2019

Today's Ramble was led by Linda Chafin.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don, unless otherwise credited.)

Today's post was written by Linda Chafin.

Today’s Focus: How trees tell a story about the landscapes where they grow.

32 Ramblers met today.

Announcement: August 23 and 24 are the dates for the Great Georgia Pollinator Census.  UGA and the Bot Garden will be participating.  The Nature Ramblers will be contributing to this citizen science effort.  The August 22 Nature Ramble will be a dry run/learning experience to get the Ramblers ready for their participation.  Details will follow.

Ramble Report August 1 2019

Today's Ramble was led by Linda Chafin.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don, unless otherwise credited.)

Today's post was written by Linda Chafin and Dale Hoyt.

Today’s Focus: Plants and Critters in the power line right of way.

32 Ramblers met today.