Nesting

The contrast of branches against the sky makes nest spotting pretty easy.

As temperatures drop, we all find ourselves staying inside more and cozying up with family and friends. Maybe you are enjoying evenings by the fire, sipping warm cider or cocoa, or cuddling under blankets with your kids. This nesting is a natural human instinct--something we often associate with expecting parents--and highlights the comforts of home.

That is a large nest!

With the leaves off Rutherford's trees, many outdoor nests are on view these days. While these may be empty for the winter, we know our avian friends will return once temperatures rise again.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Recently this post from the group Discover the Forest made the rounds on Facebook.

We are so fortunate to have a variety of tree species in our community, from deciduous to coniferous, saplings to 100-year-old trees.

Leaves from linden, oak, ginkgo and a couple other trees

Just scanning the leaves that have fallen on Rutherford sidewalks in recent days offers a hint to the diversity of our trees--how many can you name?

Peaceful coexistence

While our kids are rushing to school, soccer practice and dance classes, let's remind them to take a minute to appreciate the beauty and variety of nature's bounty right here at home.

Can a Tree Smile?

The evil trees in The Wizard of Oz reminded Dorothy that she wasn't in Kansas anymore.

Remember those creepy anthropomorphic trees in The Wizard of Oz? They got angry at Dorothy when she picked an apple from one of their branches? It seemed the knots and bends of a tree's bark were the perfect canvas for creating a face, body and arms.

I know a lot of people who make this face when they're whistling.

Just as we can sometimes see shapes in the clouds, we can imagine trees taking on any number of human qualities.

A bellybutton?

The stately trees flanking Vreeland Avenue in Rutherford appear to be doing jumping jacks or a yoga pose. The branches leaning over a sidewalk seem to be eavesdropping on strollers' conversations.

Sun salutations

An indentation where a branch used to be can be a bellybutton or a cat's eye. And, of course, long, complex roots look like a den of snakes.

That's a real tree face!

Under the Canopy

Google Maps is one way to appreciate our tree canopy

Lying under a canopy is a romantic notion--one that conjures ruffled beds, or beach cabanas. But a tree canopy, which can certainly be filled with romance, is also a very practical thing. In scientific terms it refers to the upper layer, or habitat zone, formed by mature tree crowns.

I guess you could call this one a branch canopy.

The importance of preserving Rutherford's canopy is clear: our trees are a major contributor to the beauty and quality of life here. They provide beauty, shade, flood control, air pollution control, a haven for wildlife and increased property values.

Carmita Avenue has one of the best tree canopies in Rutherford.

Even in winter, the canopy of branches dazzles.