Tiny Gardeners of the Forest – How
Ants Help Spring Wildflowers
Survive
by Wendy Oellers-Fulmer, 5/19/2026
Another remarkable role of spring ephemerals involves a fascinating process called myrmecochory which is the dispersal of seeds by ants. New Hampshire wildflowers that benefit from myrmecochory include Trilliums, Trout Lilies, Bloodroot, Dutchman Breeches, Hepatica, Wild Ginger, Spring Beauty, Blue Cohosh and Violets.
These spring wildflowers and more produce tiny nutrient-rich attachments on their seeds
called elaiosomes, which attract ants. The ants carry these seeds back to their nests to
feed their young. Once the elaiosome is eaten, the seed is discarded in a new location,
often in soil where it may germinate.
Because many spring ephemerals require very specific growing conditions, this shortdistance seed movement can be critical to their survival. Unlike birds or wind, ants usually
move seeds only a few feet, but that’s often exactly enough.
Research suggests a single ant colony may transport up to 1,000 seeds in a season,
making these tiny forest workers important partners in sustaining future generations of
wildflower. But once a population of spring ephemerals is disturbed or removed, it may
take many years for it to return, if it returns at all.
To discover more, check out the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Merrill Creek Reservoir’s
pages on the matter.
Nature Corner: Whispers of Spring Part 1 – The Fleeting Beauty of Early Ephemerals
by Wendy Oellers-Fulmer, 5/12/2026
Although this year’s colder temperatures seemed to delay the unfolding of spring, the forest floor is now coming alive with fleeting beauty. On recent walks through the woods, we were delighted to discover early spring ephemerals beginning their brief but lovely blooms.
Spring ephemerals are woodland wildflowers that appear early in spring, bloom quickly, and then produce seeds before fading away. Their growing strategy is unique. They emerge during a very small window of time- before the trees leaf out overhead- allowing them to capture precious sunlight reaching the forest floor.
These delicate wildflowers play a vitally important role in the ecosystem for many reasons. As spring awakens and food sources remain limited, ephemerals provide critical nourishment for early pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They also help prevent soil erosion from spring rains, recycle nutrients back into the earth, and support a healthy woodland soil ecosystem. As the plants die back, they enrich the soil with organic matter, helping nourish the forest for the growing season ahead.
Though their blooms are fleeting, their importance to the forest is lasting. Please enjoy these woodland treasures gently- photograph them, admire them, but leave them rooted where they belong so they may continue to return each spring. Part 2 will explore the fascinating relationship between spring ephemerals and ants. To discover more check out Edge of the Woods Nursery’s article and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s page.
Signs of Spring #7: There’s No Place Like Home
by Wendy Oellers-Fulmer, 5/5/2026
Spring is the time of year for nesting, whether its year-round birds or migrating ones who have recently arrived back here in the Lakes Region.
The increase of human development and removal of damaged or dead trees has greatly reduced the amount of natural places for cavity-nesting birds. Thankfully, nesting boxes provide alternatives for these birds which include owls, wrens, bluebirds, Chickadees, American Kestrels, Purple Martins and Tree Swallows. The key is to know your “home buyer,” as nesting boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which reflect the kind of species you want to attract. Smaller birds need smaller spaces and larger birds will need larger spaces.
An important fact to know is the diameter of the entry hole and the space inside as to meet the needs of potential nesters. If the hole is too large for its resident, it can send an invitation to predators, like the non-native and invasive house sparrows and starlings who are particularly aggressive to nesting birds. Nest Watch is a wonderful site that will help you find the perfect dimensions for cavity dwelling species and how to maintain them.
The other most important thing to consider is location, location, location! Where you place your nesting boxes is important to ensure safety for its homeowners. Place the box in safer areas, not heavily-populated locations ideally closer to the fields or woods. Situate the opening away from western exposure as it can cause the box to become overheated and finally, do not place nesting boxes near areas where herbicides and pesticides have been administered. These chemicals decimate the insect population which is the birds’ primary food source and could indirectly poison them.
Providing and caring for nest boxes can be a very rewarding activity, to discover more tips on the do’s and don’ts of nest boxes check out the Educator’s Guide to Nest Boxes and the National Wildlife Federation’s page on the matter.
Signs of Spring #6: Lawn Chemicals Threaten Water, Wildlife, and Health
by Wendy Oellers-Fulmer, 4/28/2026
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This time of year, many of us head outdoors to get our yards cleaned. On a recent walk, we passed a home where the grass had been recently sprayed with chemicals by one of the companies that promise lush, green, bug and weed free lawns. While I understand the aesthetic value of a “perfect” pest free lawn, I wonder if homeowners fully understand the impact of these chemicals- not only on the environment, but for our pets, wildlife and our own health.
- They Pollute your Water: Lawn chemicals can last for years, gradually leaching into groundwater, affecting drinking sources over time and contaminating your the water you use.
- It is Harmful to Pollinators and Wildlife: herbicides and insecticides are not selective. While they may target insects or weeds, they also harm beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies which are species essential to our ecosystems. When insect populations decline due to pesticide use, birds suffer as well. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon Society, an estimated 7 million birds are killed each year due to household pesticide use.
- They Contribute to Waterway Contamination: Fertilizers have high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous. When these nutrients wash into nearby streams, ponds and lakes they create a “superfood” for algae. The algae blooms and eventually dies creating a “dead zone” where no aquatic life can survive.
- They are a Danger to Pets, Wildlife and Human Health: Exposure to lawn chemicals have been linked to severe health issues including cancer for wild animals, pets, and humans alike who come into direct contact with treated grass, contaminated soil, or water.
A beautiful, healthy lawn doesn’t have to come at such a cost. There are effective alternatives that support both aesthetic values and our environment. It is worth considering what we are putting on our lawns, and its actual cost to the world around us. See the National Wildlife Federation for more info!
Signs of Spring #5: Where Birdsong and Peepers Welcome Spring
by Wendy Oellers-Fulmer, 4/21/2026
A phenomena occurs this time of year, with sounds that fill the air and announce that spring is here. Both involve a chorus of song that is critical for both birds and small tree frogs, also known as spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer).
Early morning brings a concert of bird songs, known as the Dawn Chorus which starts as early as 4:30 AM and continues for several hours. It is a critical part of the birds’ breeding season as it’s primarily the males who sing to attract females and establish their territory.
Sound carries farther in the coolness and calm of dawn. Much like instruments joining into a symphony, there is an order to who sings first. Birds with larger eyes such as Robins, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes sing first, as their eye size allows them to see in lower light. Next to join the chorus are the Mourning Doves and Wrens then about a half hour before sunrise the Warblers, Cardinals, and Finches will join in.
Despite their tiny size, Peepers can create a mighty chorus, congregating near bodies of water. This high-pitched peeping can occur up to 20 times a minute. The frog with the deepest voice starts the serenade, and then is joined by two others.
The faster and louder the peeping, the greater the chance of attracting a female. This chorus can be heard in early spring on warmer nights and during cloudy, or rainy days.
And finally, as the sun rises, species who need more light like Sparrows will enter the symphony. Around dawn, each species will begin to have enough light to see both competitors and predators. This chorus will continue at its highest volume until there is enough light to forage for food.
To discover more, check out the Cornell Lab’s article “Who Sings First During the Dawn Chorus—and Why?”
