Yellow Prickly Pear: A few weeks ago, during one of our regular neighborhood walks, we stumbled upon a sight that immediately captured the attention of my sons, Neil and Leon. Nestled in a corner of a nearby garden was a massive cactus, its broad pads adorned with vibrant yellow flowers. The boys were mesmerized by…
Tag: biology
Nature Study ~ Northern Cardinal
How to Make a Simple Bird Feeder to Attract and Observe Cardinals: This winter, as the chilly breeze swept through our backyard, we noticed a lack of songbirds. The usual melodies that filled the air were missing, and our garden felt strangely silent. Inspired to bring back the birds, my son Neil and I decided…
Mexican Free-Tailed Bats: Fascinating Facts and Their Role in Texas Ecosystems
Our Family’s Bat-Watching Adventure On a warm October evening, our family decided to embark on a bat cruise in downtown Austin to witness one of the city’s most remarkable natural phenomena—the flight of the Mexican free-tailed bats. It was a perfect evening for a nature study, and we were all excited, especially my young son…
How to Grow Texas Sunflowers + 5 Creative Ways to Use the Seeds
How to Grow and Use Sunflowers We have a neighbor whose front yard is completely covered with massively tall sunflowers, probably because of the latest trend to attract bees, encourage native flower growth, and save money on cutting lawn grass. The neighbor told us we could take as many sunflowers as we want since he…
Pecan Tree Growing Guide: From Seedlings to Harvesting Your Own Pecans
About Pecan Trees: One sunny afternoon, my young son Neil discovered the fascinating world of pecan trees. Our front yard boasts a giant, mature pecan tree that regularly drops green pecan pods. Intrigued by these mysterious nuts, Neil started collecting them in the storage compartment of his push car. Although the nuts were not yet…
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home (Beginner’s Indoor Growing Guide)
Exploring Oyster Mushrooms: On a bright autumn afternoon, while taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, we stumbled upon an unexpected treasure trove of nature. Neil, my curious toddler, was the first to notice them—a cluster of mushrooms sprouting near a tree stump on a neighbor’s lawn. His excitement was palpable as he pointed and…
Moonprint Academy 