Author: Ruth Oldenburg

Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Asters

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RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE Astersby Ranger Steve Mueller (8/13/1950 – 6/16/2022) Wonderous, extravagant, elegant, gorgeous, attractive, dazzling, splendid, magnificent, enjoyable, and pleasant are beauty expressions captivating our attention for the New England and Frost Asters. Many asters populate the countryside but these two dominate the season. The deep purple ray flowers of New England Asters with […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Asters"

Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: 76 Natural Communities

| Announcement, Blog, Ranger Steve's Nature Niche

RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE 76 Natural Communitiesby Ranger Steve Mueller Seventy-six trombones led the big parade is a tune from the musical The Music Man. Hopefully, Michigan’s 76 natural communities within the Great Lakes ecosystem are even more popular. They are essential to the survival of specialized life forms adapted to unique habitats and for […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: 76 Natural Communities"

Natives to Know: Ramps

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NATIVES TO KNOW Ramps, Allium tricoccumBy Linda Shuster, WORC member Allium tricoccum goes by many common names, including ramps, ramp, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, spring onion, and wild garlic. Ramps belong to the onion (Alliaceae) family. It is a native herbaceous perennial that is harvested as food. Ramps are found in nearly all Michigan counties […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Ramps"

Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Helicopters

| Blog, Ranger Steve's Nature Niche

RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE Helicoptersby Ranger Steve Mueller Flying about our yards are tens of thousands of silent helicopters. Our grandson, Walden, was visiting as we walked among the whirling maple seed samaras. Karen said we used to call them “helicopters”. I jokingly asked, what do you call them now? Most of us have experienced […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Helicopters"