Dave Mance III, Author at Vermont Almanac

Beginning in 1995, there’s been a ban on spreading manure in Vermont from today till April 1.

December 15, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

Late in the evening tonight and through the early hours of the 14th, the Geminid meteor shower will put on a good performance if it’s clear. The new moon will not interfere and these quite reliable meteors come in yellow, green, and blue, as well as white.

December 13, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

The beavers on the brook nearby seem to have nestled into their bank den. No tracks in the light snow and no new wood chips on the ground.

December 12, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

Warmer temperatures are known to increase photosynthesis in the higher latitudes and Siberia has been getting greener. This isn’t working so well in boreal North America where stresses such as fire, pests and droughts have made things browner overall.

December 11, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

Jupiter and Saturn are getting closer to one another (from our vantage point). They’ll be at their closest on December 21st, so stay tuned.

December 10, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

The Newton Farm

December 9, 2020 in December, Dispatches /by Dave Mance III

As we work on this project, we’re constantly reminded of what a small state Vermont is — small in the very best way. An example of this involves the cover image. We chose the Susan Abbott painting because we thought it captured rural Vermont. Shortly after releasing the image to the public, we got this […]

On some birds the contour feathers have what’s called an afterfeather, a little fluffy plume from the same follicle as the big feather. This provides extra insulation and is especially common in grouse.

December 8, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

The tufted titmouse at our feeders (they get taken in at night) has now been joined by another. They rarely used to be here but in the last few years have become reliable companions.

December 7, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

Most evergreen perennials are low to the ground, for good reason. Winterberry, pippsissewa, partridgeberry, and goldthread are all in the carpet family.

December 4, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

Still no snow on the ground. Rain-soaked brown leaves cover paths but in the woods mosses and liverworts in many shades of green brighten things up.

December 3, 2020 in December, Ginny's Calendar /by Dave Mance III

About Dave Mance III

Entries by Dave Mance III