See the adjacent photo of cactus blossoms on the Conservancy’s Silva tract, right next to the gate. For some reason, there is exception color on this very old cactus plant on the preserve this year. I’ve heard people say that there is nothing but green and brown color on the preserves during the summer. This standout cactus puts an accent on that!

Rodent exterminator, no charge
Photo taken by Conservancy staff on a Conservancy preserve, 2024. It’s often difficult to view, but part of the Conservancy’s job is to see that wildlife has access to sustenance on the preserves. Here, a Snowy egret (Egretta thula) manages to nab a quick lunch on a Conservancy owned and …