Alex Palmer's Natural History Notes and Thoughts

For readers of my blog who are seeking qualified environmental educators, natural history interpreters, Geospatial analysts, GIS technicians, or GPS field technicians, stay tuned for my upcoming Linked page.   For now, please see my resume page of this blog site.   

Situated far back into the quiet and dull suburban subdivisions of Portsmouth, Virginia is a somewhat unexpected place; it is a place that easily breaks the monotony of neatly trimmed lawns and dated cookie-cutter houses.  The Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve protects one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts of land in the Portsmouth city limits (see map below).  This protects the water quality of the Hoffler Creek tidal estuary (see Photo A), and the land-areas of the preserve are filled with lush Mid-Atlantic maritime forest (Photo B). View Larger Map Photo A: The Hoffler Creek tidal estuary Photo B:  A milder climate and a lack of urban development has helped preserve the maritime forest community at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve. In the middle of the wildlife preserve is a natural-looking, mostly freshwater lake (Photo C).  Prior to the establishment of the wildlife preserve, the land was a sand and gravel pit that was quarried to provide a foundation for

American Beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana ) is a wild growing shrub native to the southeastern United States.  Native plants provide an important food source for wildlife, and can also be attractive as landscaping plants.  Photo by Robert Palmer.