© All photos in this article are the property of the author | Printable copy of this article: PDF ⎆ Participatory science as civic ecology Over the past ten years, the Earthwise Aware team has designed and run participatory science projects focused on urban systems in Greater Boston and beyond. These projects explore yards, streets, community […]
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Tag: Claire’s articles
Respect Wasp and Hornet Nests in the For...
Many people fear wasps and hornets, yet these insects seldom sting without cause. They respond defensively when they or their nest are disturbed. In parks and camps, most incidents can be prevented through thoughtful site design and clear public guidance. Protect Beneficial Insects–Defend Habitat Integrity Smart Planning Prevents Wildlife Conflict When a sting occurs, it […]
Fresh Pond Almanac—September at the Mead
September marks the end of the summer in New England. At EwA, the beginning of that month also brings a little bit of sadness. Fieldwork in the Lusitania meadow feels different after our interns and summer volunteers left us at the end of August to return to their busy lives. But we are happy for […]
Fresh Pond Almanac—January at the Meadow
Winter is a great time to learn to read wildlife signs and explore the wonderful stories of those who live at and around the Lusitania meadow. For instance, have you ever noticed that small mound of sticks at Black’s Nook? This is likely to be the winter hut of a little mammal. That shelter had […]
Keeping a Forest Whole
Keeping a Forest Whole ▹ EwA conservation study presented at NENHC 2023, C*Sci 2023. Follow-up presented at DCR Symposium 2025. 👥 Authors: Claire O’Neill and Mina Burton | Earthwise Aware 🔗 Presentations » current / 2023 original (full/flash/poster) | 📰 Handout The Power of Community-driven GIS-focused Participatory Science In Massachusetts, a community has formed around co-creative participatory science using […]
Forest Explorations — April in the Fells
Another month – another EwA Fells walk! Each forest exploration walk brings its load of wonders and this April’s walk wasn’t any different. April is an exciting month: vernal pools have thawed and are welcoming frogs and salamanders to breed, and the forest floor exhibits the colors of its first bloomers. Anticipation builds up, and […]
Wasps Biosurveillance and Milkweed Haven
Season: Summer | Location: New-England’s meadows, parks, and gardens Look for wasps and the intense activity of insects on milkweeds in the warm summer months. What do they have in common? Both have a bad ‘rep’– yet they are ecologically critical, truly endearing, and certainly not to be feared nor despised. Here’s to these incredibly […]
🐸 Ephemeral Living » Vernal Pool Explora
Summary ꙳ Objectives ▹ Vernal pools are unique seasonal wetlands that are mostly precipitation-fed. The term “vernal” relates to ‘spring’, as these pools often appear and fill to capacity with spring rainfalls and snowpack melting. They are short-lived and dry out by early to mid-summer, then they may refill partially in the fall. They support rich and diverse […]
Forest Explorations — December in the Fe
Winter is for me a moment in time when I naturally delve into forest details that escaped my attention all the other seasons. This time, I had planned to spend more time looking for birds, but as often is the case, I got distracted by something else that popped along the path: arthropod signs, mammal […]
Forest Explorations — October in the Fel
The air is crisp. The whole forest is dressed in oranges, reds, and yellows that flash in the autumn light. It’s a feast of colors today but one can feel that Fall just passed its peak. The colors are vibrant, stunning but they are disappearing as quickly as the wind gusts detach the leaves from […]