I read an article in the February issue of National Geographic about horned lizards in Texas. Their populations are being decimated, largely due to habitat loss and invasive predators. Most people probably think if horned lizards as species of the desert southwest. However, there is a species of horned lizard native to North Dakota, as are a couple other close relatives.

While long-stemmed roses dominate Valentine’s Day sales, native members of the rose family are woven into North Dakota’s landscape — including the State Flower, the Wild Prairie Rose.

Do your ever wonder what the winter landscape looked like on the prairie long ago when there were no farmsteads, transmission lines, and the few trees that were present were largely restricted to the floodplains of major rivers? There are some interesting written descriptions of that landscape.

During winter cold spells, concerns are often voiced on how the animals manage to make it through the season. Of course, there is variation in how well-adapted animals are to winter. It is similar with plants, which is exemplified by the development of plant hardiness zones. But how about plant seeds during the winter months? There is probably a lot more going there than most people would think.

Groundhog Day is coming up Monday, February 2. Do not look for any groundhog in North Dakota to poke its head out of their burrow. It is far too early for that.

A friend of mine recently mentioned that a flock of crows were raising a ruckus outside his home in north Fargo. When the crows are in a tizzy, it often means they have found an owl to harass. Sure enough, when he went to check it out, the object of the mobbing was a barred owl.

Are you getting a case of the winter blues? Are you spending too much time on the couch and too little time outdoors? Consider making a concerted effort to get outdoors more often to enjoy some of what nature has to offer during the winter. There is much to see and do for those interested a little "Natural North Dakota" that is quite easy to observe if one just takes the time to do so.

All plant parts of water hemlock are toxic to humans and livestock. It is one of the deadliest plants native to North America, some say the deadliest.

While driving down the country roads during winter, you may see a flock of sparrow-sized birds get up and fly away. Most people probably dismiss them as sparrows, but the next time you see the birds, look for flashes of white in the wings — they may be snow buntings.

Spending time in nature doesn’t just inspire awe — research shows it can improve our health and well-being.