This weekend and Columbus Day will probably be close to the leaf peak season in Warren County for fall foliage. I like the changing of the leaves when there are still a few green foliage trees that enhance the vibrant colors of the trees that have already changed.
photo credit: vieux bandit

Fall has always seemed a magical time to me. Yes, summer is over and winter will soon set in. But we have the period of time when fall flowers are at their peak and the air feels alive.

At this time of year the fog lifts slowly off the Conewango Creek each morning. It may take until 10 a.m. before I am sure what type of day we will have. After the fog lifts I take a walk down by the creek and watch the leaves slowly drift on the water and head south.

I also check the apples tree down by the creek to see how the crop is and if I will to able to press fresh apple cider. This year the harvest will be small due to our cold wet summer, but I will press at least one batch of cider at the amish cider press in Lottsville, Pa.

I guess what I like best about the season is you never know exactly what the leaves will look like and each day the same scenery has a new look. For an artist I find this amazing. A bucket left by the barn becomes an instant art piece alive with color.

As the fall colors fade outdoors and are replaced by grays, brown and the occasional splash of color I remember the summer and the spring that will arrive none too soon.

I plan to photograph as much as possible this weekend. We have the promise of three days of nice weather (hopefully with a little clouds to help enhance the color for the leaves.) These fall images will take the chill off winter and hopefully lead to a few pieces of artwork.

Below are a few links for fall crafts and saving leaves.

Autumn Craft Projects

Autumn Leaf crafts

Technorati Tags: conewango creek, country living, fall foliage, fall in Warren County, Kinzua Dam

When  fall is fading and winter is approaching in NW Pa., I begin to notice the shrubs, trees and lay of the land that is often covered by lush growth and activity in the spring and summer. And at this time of year, in early spring,  the land is still apparent. But only for another week or so.

Living by a large creek and swamp and being only a few miles away from The Roger Tory Peterson Nature Center my thoughts wander back to the food supply and safe living areas for birds.

The birds feed heavily in the Shoemack trees, blackberry and raspberry bushes. They also feast on wild rosebushes and cherry trees.

The deer and squirrels are happy collecting and eating the oak and hickory nuts that lay heavily down by the Creek side. Every morning as the fog rises off the creek you have a ring side seat to the deer. They also clean up apples under the small apple orchard we have. So far they have not damaged the branches and twigs on the apple trees.

We also have otters, beavers, and many varieties of duck and geese on the creek and in the swamp.

The land is rich with wild food so the wildlife flourishes. I occasionally feed the birds, more for entertainment.

Living close to the Roger Tory Peterson Nature center and a large swamp has taught me the importance of nature. To appreciate the land and wildlife.

Many people think swamps are a nuisance and nothing more. The creek and swamp behind the property is beautiful and the wildlife is amazing. I see plants in the fields, outer swamp and creek bank that I do not see other places.

The Blue Herons have a large grouping of nests on the very far corner of the property and swamp. They fly down the creek to make their landing and they are just awesome to watch.
photo credit: hart_curt

The RTP Center in NW New York offers many classes and has beautiful paths for walking and studying nature. It adds to my community and helps remind me of the value of nature.

And as Spring sets in and another summer season heads my way its nice to see life start fresh and new in the outdoors.

Technorati Tags: nature, Roger Tory Peterson Nature Center, RTP Center, thegardenersrake.com, Wildlife

Our area is know for the Famous ground hog “Punxsutawney Phil”, from the state of Pennsylvania and Dunkirk Dave, resident of our northern bordering state, New York, going head to head predicting the arrival of spring. This holiday tradition happens on Ground Hogs day, February 2nd of each year. When you live in between the two big rivals, Ground Hogs Day takes on a new meaning.
photo credit: PburghStever

But here in NW PA., the Conewango Creek predicts spring. I realize I am taking on both furry ground hogs with this declaration but the creek has never been wrong.

The Conewango creek flows from NY State and runs behind my house before it enters the Allegheny River. As is passes through NY and Pa it wanders though several small towns and the Ackley swamp, a nature swamp well known for its rare plants and wildlife. The creek measures close to 100 feet wide behind my house and is over 35 feet deep. It is home to many waterfowl and animals.

As I watch winter wind down and loose its hold on this area I know that winter is not over until the Canadian Geese leave the Ackley Swamp. Four days ago I saw the Canadian Geese on the creek and two other duck species. The prediction is also based on far in the swamp they return in the evening. So far the geese are close to the edge of the creek.

As the geese have returned to the banks spring is here. We may have those teasing snowflakes but it’s time to think about serious gardening and yard work.

In the past the farmers looked to mother nature to help them predict storms, seasons and much more. I learned a t a young age that when leaves turn upside down it will rain. How close a ring is around the moon is also a sign of rain. Have you heard any garden lore from the past? If so please share it.

Technorati Tags: country living