Ramp season is upon us. For those of you who are unfamiliar with ramps please allow me to introduce you to these wonders. A ramp is also referred to as a wild leek. They taste like a cross between a pungent garlic, scallions and sweet onion. They are peppery, earthy and delicious. Not only are they a delicacy they are highly nutritious. They contain high concentrations of vitamin A, C and K. They also contain high amounts of the minerals selenium and chromium. They not only provide us...

It wasn’t until a few years ago, when on a hut to hut cross country ski trip in Maine that I learned the make up of lichen and its complexity. I was with my friends Mary Beth Durkin, Meg Moran and Tom Durkin. Tom is a self taught naturalist and keen observer of the world around him. He was our personal guide and wrangler. Tom would point out wildlife footprints, tell us about the importance of the subnivian layer and take us on an owl prowl. This trip was magical for me! I love winter, I...

The unusual and cruel weather that descended upon us in January/February took its toll. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE cold weather. I would literally rather be in Western Mongolia than on the Eastern Shore of Maryland during the hot and humid summers that we endure. This winter brought the gift of a beautiful snow, but the beauty was crusted with a thick coating of ice. It would have been tolerable, but polar vortexes prevented it from melting. It was two weeks of reclusion. People were only...