Nature Doesn’t Take a Holiday
The week after the 4th of July is a time to get back into the groove at work and at home. In the office, we need to refresh our minds on where we left off before leaving for the holiday, and at home, we need to mentally prepare for what the rest of the summer brings. But perhaps one thing we don’t consider is that nature doesn’t need to regroup after what the human world calls holidays. They don’t get to catch up after a break. They don’t take a break at all. Although some parts of nature may appear to rest, they are still active in some way, adapting and renewing themselves.
The beautiful critters of our region are very busy in July. The Eastern Bumblebee and other pollinators are active on native flowers; Green anoles, although seemingly basking in the sun on trees and shrubs, are actually hunting for food; Birds are busy nesting and feeding, as are numerous other species; Raccoons, opossums, and foxes are foraging wherever they can.
In July, our region’s trees are in peak growth, reproduction, and adaptation. The long, hot days and (hopeful) rainfall fuel this activity. These trees maximize photosynthesis to produce sugars that support vigorous growth of roots, leaves, and branches. And many trees are in their reproductive phase, some finishing fruiting, while blackberries and other plants ripen in various areas.
So, while the lazy days of summer may feel too hot to do much, the natural world around us is hard at work, ensuring that life goes on well beyond summer.
