These button-willows (also called Buttonbush, Honey-bells) have a scientific name of Cephalanthus occidentalis. But my it is pretty (see the photo I took this weekend at the Conservancy’s Silva tract). At first, I thought they might be just another deciduous shrub used as decoration. But the experts said that they were native, and had an affinity for watered areas. So we planted a few around the Conservancy’s marsh complexes about 10 years ago. And I just like them more and more as they get more mature. We need to plant some more!

The Hoot of Success
The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of the HCPs’ “Covered Species.” And, we on the Conservancy staff freely admit, it’s a favorite. The reason is simple: these birds are so gregarious and fun to watch, they are irresistible. Some 20 years or so ago, the Conservancy, working in cooperation …