Headline Archive for Sarina Smith

  • Bethany Teigen showing a group of tour members a mushroom in the forest.

    Bethany Teigan, Founder of the Philadelphia Mycology Club, led a fungi foraging tour around Haverford’s Arboretum in September! Here, I share some of what I learned from her tour and my reflections on the experience.

  • Green roof on top of Kim & Tritton Hall with sedum plants

    Haverford College engages in a wide range of sustainability projects to reduce its carbon footprint and benefit the environment.

  • Trees in a dark forest

    The Internet connects humans all over the world. But did you know that trees also have a social life? Trees share key resources and communicate with one another through a vast underground network. Although you would expect a tree to be a solitary, lonely fellow, they make complex connections with many other trees using this secret language.

  • Two red, yellow, and black speckled leaves

    Have you ever wondered why the leaves of the Arboretum’s trees change into a dazzling array of red, orange, yellow, and purple each fall? If you have walked around the Arboretum recently, there is no doubt that you have seen this impressive display. Read on to learn how trees achieve this mesmerizing feat.

  • Close-up image of red flowers in the rain garden adjacent to VCAM.

    As we head into summer, now is the perfect time to begin thinking about what you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly. By implementing these green practices at your home this summer, you can reduce your carbon footprint while also creating a wonderful space for you and your family to enjoy.

  • Eastern gray squirrel with an acorn

    Squirrels are so common throughout our region that we often do not take a second glance if one passes us along our walks. If you have walked around Haverford’s Arboretum, chances are you have spotted one of these furry creatures while it was searching for acorns or scampering up a tree. Although we often do not give them much thought or appreciation, squirrels have fascinating lives and play important roles in our ecosystems. Today, I am going to take you through the life of a squirrel at Haverford—from a squirrel’s perspective—and offer you a glimpse into their world.

     

  • Trees along the nature trail in autumn. Photo: Sheena Dwyer-McNulty '23.

    Now more than ever, it is important that we take advantage of all of nature’s healing effects on the mind and body. Not only does being outdoors encourage us to exercise more, but the simple act of being present in nature also has numerous psychological and physiological benefits.

  • Witch hazel

    Witch hazel, a winter-blooming shrub that populates Haverford’s Arboretum, has assorted uses and a rich history.