20.) What spring wildflower is consistently among the first to bloom where you live?

Johnny jump ups, or viola cornuta, are consistently among the first spring wildflowers to bloom in the Providence, RI area. Growing up in the suburbs of Providence, (Rumford and Barrington, RI) I always look forward to the first apperance of their white, yellow, and violet smiling faces that  indicate spring has sprung!

19.) From where you're reading this, point north.

18.) What are the major plant associations in your region?

- Rhode Island Wild Plant Society

- The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island

- The Department of Environmental Management

- Rhode Island Natural History Survey

17.) What species have become extinct in your area?

Rhode Island Extinct Species List (reported by Lauren Kurpis of Endangered Species)

-American burying beetle

-Eastern puma

-Sea turtle (hawksbill, Kemp's ridely, leatherback)

-Shortnose sturgeon

-Roseate turn

-Whale (finback, humpback, right)

Primarily marine creatures!

16.) What primary ecological event/process influenced the land form where you live?( & what's the evidence?)

The land form that dominates Rhode Island is over 400 miles of coastline, which is dotted with lagoons, rivers, and salt marshes. Narragansett Bay divides the state in half and includes three of the sixteen islands that compromise the state, some of which are characterized by rolling hills. Erosion and the force of water constantly shapes the coastline, which literally changes with every ebb and flow of the tide, and more significantly after powerful hurricanes and the like. 

15.) What is the land use history of where you live?

The land use history of Providence, R.I. is fabled by climatic change, natural disaster, erosion, fire, and is also subject to human activity. Agricultural and natural resource demands have increased exponentially since the origins of the state.

14.) Name FIVE resident and FIVE migratory birds in your area.

RESIDENT
1. Snowy egret
2. Osprey 
3. Black-crowned night heron
4. Piping plover (endangered)
5. Robin red-breast
MIGRATORY (w/ approximate arrival date)
1.     Blackpoll warbler- September 18
2.     Chipping sparrow- October 28
3.     Grasshopper sparrow- October 20
4.     Northern waterthrush- October 8
5.     White-throated sparrow- November 3


fun fact! Block Island, Rhode Island: The American Chemical Society recently released a study proving that birds actively seek out the most anti-oxidant rich berries. Migratory birds traveling through Block island select arrow-wood berries over 11 other types native to the island. Interestingly, arrow-wood berries are the most anti-oxidant rich. The anti-oxidants prevent disease and help optimize the birds' bodies to deal with the stress of long distance flights. 

13.) Name FIVE grasses in your area. Are any of them native?

Expert Dr. Brian Maynard of Sustainable Landscapes Program Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Rhode Island names 5 Oranmental Grasses:

Native grasses were members of the local flora before European settlers arrived

Exotic grasses are introduced plants from other states or countries

1. Fescue: This cool season, clump-forming grass requires protection from the hot afternoon sun. Blue foliage forms are the most popular. Division in the early spring is often required to restore vigor. Regular fertilization may benefit this group. (exotic)

2. Miscanthus: Considered the showiest group of warm season, clump-forming grasses, it has very showy flowers. A large group of grasses with considerable variability in height, blade width, etc. Select cultivars carefully to insure adequate hardiness and adaptation to your site. (exotic)

3. Switchgrass: This native, warm-season, clump-forming group is becoming more popular as new cultivars become available. Cultivars with red fall color and blue foliaged upright cultivars are popular. (native)

4. Fountaingrass: Most members are warm season, clump forming grasses. Some may become weedy, especially south of Rhode Island. Both annual and perennial cultivars are valuable in the landscape. Flowers are showy and are foxtail-like in their appearance. (exotic)

5. Big Bluestem: Very tolerant, perennial bunch grass. The stem base turns to a blue-purple as it matures. (native) 

Grasses that are native to the Providence, R.I. tend to be heartier and align with the conditions of growing  season.

12.) When do the deer rut in your region, and when are the young born?

According to Northeast Rut Reporter Mike Bleech, who has been hunting in his native Northeast for four decades, the rutting season begins in late summer or early fall, when bucks' antlers are fully grown. Because of the frigid temperatures Rhode Island sometimes experiences, it is common for deer to herd around food sources in groups called deer yards. Fawns are born in late May or June. 

11.) On what day of the year are the shadows the shortest where you live?

For Northern, Mid-Latitude Locations: June 21st - the summer solstice. Noon shadows are the shorter than any other day of the year. 

10.) How long is the growing season where you live?

The frost-free growing season in Providence, Rhode Island and the surrounding area lasts 120 to 180 days. In costal areas, the growing season can extend as far as early December, but once snow, ice, and shorter days set in, conditions are less than ideal. We must alter our agricultural demands to fit in with the seasonal changes that Mother Nature instills upon us. Annuals and vegetables require nurturing during the growing season, whereas perennials thrive in conditions with cool summers and snowy winters. 

9.) WHERE does YOUR garbage go???

Answer: The Rhode Island Central Landfill in Johnston, R.I. Second highest point in the state. 
According to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, the stats:
-facility = 1,200 acres , actual landfill = 230 acres
-manages 2,500 tons of residential and commercial waste/day
-a "sanitary landfill", meaning that non-hazardous waste is spread in layers, compacted, and covered over every

8.) From what direction do winter storms generally come in your region?

According to the National Weather Service, and surviving my fair share of storms, the region is notorious for its Nor' Easters traveling from the South to the Northeast, amplified by winds from the Northeast.

or...the more approachable farmer's market 5...

Apples, July through October 

Broccoli, June through November

Carrots, June through September 

Potatoes, July through December  

Pumpkins, September through November

7.) Name 5 EDIBLE plants in your region and their season(s) of availability.

1. Burdock: spring

2.     Cattails: late spring-early summer

3.     Dandelions: summer

4.     Fiddleheads: spring must be fully cooked!

5.  Lamb’s quarters or wild spinach: spring

R.I. obviously experiences its bounty during the spring.

6.) What were the primary subsistence techniques of the culture that lived in your area before you?

The Wampanoag Indians, who were indigenous to Southern New England, relied on corn, beans, and squash as their "three sisters," or primary food  staples. They also seasonally engaged in fishing and game hunting.


Currently, Providence, and Rhode Island as an entire entity, is famous for its seafood and produces and consumes quite a bit, especially during the summer months along the coast.  

5.) When was the last time a fire burned in your area?

Last weekend Kabob & Curry, a local Indian eatery on Thayer Street suffered a small kitchen fire. Larger scale forest fires are uncommon in Rhode Island.

4.) What was the total rainfall in your area last year (July-June)?

March of 2010 was the rainiest month on record in Providence, with a total accumulation of 16.32 inches. 


Annual rainfall for the city of Providence is unavailable.

3.) What soil series are YOU standing on?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service...

the udept suborder of inceptisols, a soil order in USDA soil taxonomy, is the dominant type of soil found in 

Rhode Island, and more specifically, Providence. This type of soil forms quickly through alteration of parent material and thus has no accumulation of clays, iron, aluminum, or organic matter. The inceptisol variety of soil is found in humid to sub humid regions, such as costal Providence, R.I.

Surprising dirt can be categorized so specifically...that so much can information about location can be determined from the stuff we trample upon everyday.

2.) How many days 'TIL THE MOON IS FULL?

Eleven. The next full moon will be on November 10, 2011. 

1.) Trace the water you drink from precipitation to tap.

Collecting rainwater from one's gutters is a practical source of the elixir of life. The EPA estimates that just one rain barrel can capture 1,300 gallons of rainwater from gutters. A rain barrel complete with a fitted screen is the only equipment necessary and stores naturally-sourced water that can be used for lawn and garden care, and can help reduce flooding, runoff, and additionally, can help preserve reservoir and well water for drinking, showering and cooking.

In April 2010,
the city of Providence, 
in conjunction with the Narragansett Bay Commission,

offered rain barrel discounts to endorse this useful alternative collection medium.

This water is drinkable but...

Providence Tap water is ranked #2 in quality in the nation!

(According to Environmental Working Group, U.S. big city water utilities were ranked based on levels of contaminant chemicals.)