Hunting and the Flu, Go Native

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Hunters Take Note:

The fall bird migrations have begun increasing the concerns about the Avian Bird Flu. The Bird Flu has caused a lot of severe problems in the mid west this past year for poultry farmers.and millions of chickens and turkey’s had to be destroyed.

The Bird Flu is carried by migratory water fowl which are now moving into the northwestern Pennsylvania region. Although, the Bird flu at this time, does not present a health concern for humans, It can be fatal to domestic poultry.

Discover more about hunting and the Avian Bird Flu from the  PA Game Commission

Another good source of information can also be found at AmmoLand, a sporting news site Bird Flu Precautions

The Bird Flu problem could be around for a few years, now is the time to prepare . For another perspective. about the impacts and measure to take,  Bird Flu.




Seed Saving for the Monarchs

Milkweed Seed Saving

The Milkweed seed pods are beginning to form. The pods are somewhat late this year because of the late growing season. The milkweed plant is essential to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, and their populations have been dwindling rapidly. Many organizations, such as Monarch Watch, are encouraging  property owners to plant milkweed to help the butterflies.

Milkweed is actually a good landscaping plant but has somewhat of a bad reputation. It can often be seen growing along roadsides and ditches and is promptly sprayed with a herbicide. The honeybees and other native bees also enjoy the milkweed plant. One does have to be careful where it is planted because it can spread rapidly.

It is a little early to collect the seeds at this time. It is best to wait until the seed pod begins to open exposing the seed. Collect the pods and allow the seed to dry out (don’t put a lid on any container in which the seed pods are placed in for drying.

The seeds need to be cold stratified for several weeks. A freezer works fine or store the seeds in an unheated garage or outbuilding. Or, here is what we are doing at Koyote Hill. Next month, some ground will be plowed to plant next years garlic and a little extra ground for a new crop of milkweed. It’s only necessary to rake the seed lightly into the ground and then let nature take it’s course. Hopefully. both the honeybees and Monarchs will be happy.

Another option, is to plant the seeds in flats and leave outdoors. for the winter, but be sure to cover the flat with a screen to avoid rodent problems. The seed can also be planted indoors in late winter and then transplanted outside.

For additional information contact the Crawford County Master Gardeners at (814)333-7460

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Native Plants

Go Native

Pictured is another attractive native plant Bee Balm (Monarda didyma). I started a few of these from seeds. The bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all enjoy this plant immensely.Apparently, the early colonists also appreciated this plant and used the leaves and the flowers to make a tea, called Oswego Tea. I made a pot of Oswego tea using some peppermint leaves as well. It’s now on the menu here. When more milkweed gets planted this fall, more Bee Balm will also be planted.

Discover some other natives, Boneset

Pickerwell

And Just for the Heck of It

Ninety percent of the food we humans consume come from thirtyplants species and over 70,000 plants species are utilized in medicine.
source: http://ecowatch.com/2013/12/31/10-incredible-plant-facts/