Author Image: Mary K. Hansen

Mary K. Hansen

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Cobweb thistle_Hanson.jpg: Not all thistles are “bad.” This Cobweb Thistle (Cirsium occidentale) is a native that usually blooms between May and July. Thistles like this one can act as a home and feeding station for butterflies, moths, bees and other insects as well as birds. - Photos by Mary K. Hanson

Not all prickly things are bad

There’s a saying that goes something like, “You can’t keep all the pretty stuff and kill all of the ugly stuff and still have a working ecosystem.” And that’s very...
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Rattle, rattle, rattle

This is the time of the year when rattlesnakes in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region are very active. So, if you’re walking or hiking in the region keep...