Podcasts about equisetum

In this episode head back 30 million years to visit the John Day Formation in Oregon, USA. Organisms encountered in this episode include: Metasequoia, Polypodium, Pinus johndilyensis, Rubus, Platanus, hypertragulidae, Hydrangia, Ulmus, Fraxinus, Fagus pacifica, Toxicodendron wolfei, Quercus consimilis, Protosciurus rachelae, Vitis, Nuphar, Equisetum, Nimravid, Betula angustifolia, Alnus, Menispermum, Cornus, Paleocastor, Miohippus, Temnocyon, Terminalia, Acer, […]

Deze podcast is een ode aan Heermoes! Een van mijn constitutiekruiden en ik kreeg afgelopen week de vraag of ik wat meer over heermoes kon vertellen. Dus hierbij!The Herbal School is een online community & leeromgeving waarin je alles leert om op een holistische wijze om met kruiden te werken. Het is vernieuwend, diepgaand en je ontdekt hoe je je eigen weg binnen de planten wereld kan gaan vinden. Aanmelden kan per maand, via deze link. Je kan nu de eerste 7 dagen een kijkje nemen voor €1,00Jaartraining Natuurgeneeskunde18 oktober start ik samen met mijn collega en vriendin Melanie een Jaartraining Natuurgeneeskunde. We nemen je een jaar lang mee op reis door de orgaansystemen en geven je les in een natuurgeneeskundige visie. Hoe kun je je lichaam op een andere manier ondersteunen? De lessen zullen bestaan uit een stuk theorie, praktische toepasbare oefeningen en we duiken in de psychosomatische kant van klachten, voeding, kruidengeneeskunde en lichaamsgerichte therapieen. Meer informatie vindt je hier. Ook kan je hier een afspraak voor een vrijblijvend kennismakingsgesprek inplannen.Holistic HerbalismJe kan je nu al inschrijven voor de interesselijst van het Holistic Herbalism jaartraject. Je ontvangt dan als eerste bericht als de deuren weer open gaan. Je kan via deze link inschrijven. Gratis en vrijblijvend.Meer informatie over mijn 1:1 trajecten vindt je hier https://green-goddess.nl/consulten/Heb je vragen? Je kan me mailen op: hello@green-goddess.nlLet op: De (kruiden)podcasts zijn alleen voor educatieve doeleinden. De verstrekte informatie is niet bedoeld om ziekten te diagnosticeren, behandelen of genezen. Raadpleeg een gekwalificeerde fytotherapeut/kruidengeneeskundige/arts voor (medisch) advies. Als je zelf op eigen initiatief een kruid gaat innemen is dit op eigen verantwoording. 

Poison ivy, invasive lawn weeds, Lily leaf beetles and horse tails (Equisetum) - all really not wanted. What to do? Listen up tips and tricks this week on The Garden Show! Listen live every Saturday at 9am on Zoomer Radio

In today's episode, you will learn about the first vascular plants on this Earth, the Ferns. You will learn: 1. What makes ferns special and unique. 2. You will learn fern botany, distribution, and a little about the diversity of ferns across the globe. 3. The medicinal properties and uses of ferns. 4. How I work with the fern ally Equisetum, Horsetail. 5. Why you should learn and connect with medicinal ferns and fern allies. Ferns are my absolute favorite group of plants to learn and connect with, you don't want to miss this episode! Share with a friend! If you want to learn more about ferns, check out our favorite course Medical Botany 1 Stay Wild! With Love and Gratitude, April Punslan

In this episode, I discuss my new cookbook which is all about foraging and cooking wild spring edible plants. I give you my recipe for beef and amaranth seed soup and we discuss Equisetum, horsetail or shavebrush, which is a remarkable herb that one should never be without. Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54New today in my Woodcraft shop:https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/cheese-or-charcuterie-board-set-1Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guidehttps://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.htmlAvailable in paperback on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTHandConfirmation, an Autobiography of Faithhttps://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.htmlAvailable in paperback on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNKVisit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/Read about my new other books:Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPSThe Omnivore's Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guidehttps://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6andGrowing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Elsehttps://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.htmlhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9RThe Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35RandChristian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.htmlAvailable for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTBHerbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.htmlAlso available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbsBlog:https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/Free Video Lessons:https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

say it loud, i'm Black and i'm Proud! happy june and happy pride bbs! it's y'alls fave bougie aunties, continuing the herbal carminatives series! It's about time we talk about thyme, also know by its botanical name Thymus vulgaris! Typically known for as a yummy Mediterranean seasoning, thyme is also a great carminative, antiseptic, and known to give one courage and strength!   how about a thyme lemonade while taking a walk today and listening to the podcast? let us know what you think! enjoy! Sources and what's In the episode: (fungi) tremella mushroom (plant) goji berry (Lycium chinense) (plant) passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) (plant) star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) (technology) heart rate variability tracker (plant) horsetail (Equisetum arvense) (article) A Review on Applications and Uses of Thymus in the Food Industry (book) Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman Satya Yoga Nidra Retreat petty herbalist Herbalism of Spices Community Workshop ________________________ Follow us on social: @pettyherbalist @bonesbugsandbotany Join the Patreon Community to fund this amazing POD: https://www.patreon.com/pettyherbalist Join the bonesbugsandbotany Patreon Community to fund support all of Asia's work: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/bonesbugsandbotany⁠ Rate us to show your support! Thank You! #StayReady #BePetty ***if you read this far, send me a dm @pettyherbalist for a shoutout!*** --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pettyherbalist/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pettyherbalist/support

In Episode 14 of the Plants are People too Podcast we take a look at the common and easily recognizable Equisetum genus of plants in the Equisetaceae Family - that's right a monotypic genus. This family of plants evolved during the Jurassic and reproduces similar to ferns via spores - no flowers or fruits on this one! Learn a little bit about the folk lore, and easily identified species in New England and for most of the United States. We also briefly look at Hippuris or (Mare's-tail) which IS a flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae Family. Episode 14 is dedicated to our friend Jimmy Lucas who we will miss 1986 - 2022If you'd like to make a donation in support of Jimmy's family they're raising money here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ali-and-baby-in-loving-memory-of-jim-lucas  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=65399395)

Homoeopathic medicine --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-mayank-madhu/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-mayank-madhu/support

La prêle des champs est une incroyable plante reminéralisante et réparatrice de tout type de tissus. Cette plante fossile n’a pas fini de vous surprendre tellement elle est utile.Abonnez-vous à la lettre d'information gratuite ! C'est ici :➜ www.altheaprovence.com/podcast-lettreinfo----------------------------La transcription du poscast : ➜ https://www.altheaprovence.com/prele-des-champs-equisetum-arvense-silicium-collagene-restructurante/

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn Host: Hazel Stark Field horsetail, known by botanists as Equisetum arvense, shares a rough resemblance to a young pine tree—green in color overall and somewhat like a bottle brush in shape. These ancient plants are easy to notice now as they are just starting to emerge from wet fields and ditches. Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com. The post The Nature of Phenology 5/2/20: Horsetails first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn Host: Hazel Stark Field horsetail, known by botanists as Equisetum arvense, shares a rough resemblance to a young pine tree—green in color overall and somewhat like a bottle brush in shape. These ancient plants are easy to notice now as they are just starting to emerge from wet fields and ditches. Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com.

Producers: Hazel Stark & Joe Horn Host: Hazel Stark Field horsetail, known by botanists as Equisetum arvense, shares a rough resemblance to a young pine tree—green in color overall and somewhat like a bottle brush in shape. These ancient plants are easy to notice now as they are just starting to emerge from wet fields and ditches. Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at thenatureofphenology.wordpress.com. The post The Nature of Phenology 5/2/20: Horsetails first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Hello Listener! Thank you for listening.  If you would like to support the podcast, and keep the lights on, you can support us whenever you use Amazon through the link below: It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what. Or you can become a Fluffle Supporter by donating through Patreon.com at the link below: Patreon/Hare of the Rabbit What's this Patreon? Patreon is an established online platform that allows fans to provide regular financial support to creators. Patreon was created by a musician who needed a easy way for fans to support his band. What do you need? Please support Hare of the Rabbit Podcast financially by becoming a Patron. Patrons agree to a regular contribution, starting at $1 per episode. Patreon.com takes a token amount as a small processing fee, but most of your money will go directly towards supporting the Hare of the Rabbit Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time. You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger. Snow Shoe Hare - Snoring and Nasal Obstruction in Rabbits - The Shot Hare - Perplexing Difference between Hares and Rabbits Hares and rabbits are related, but there are some key differences. Hares tend to be larger than rabbits and have longer legs and bigger ears. When threatened, rabbits typically freeze and rely on camouflage, as compared to hares, who use their big feet to flee at the first sign of danger. Rabbits are born blind and helpless, while hares are born fully furred and ready to run. About the Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe hares are forest-dwellers that prefer the thick cover of brushy undergrowth. The smallest species of the Lepus genus, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) is a rabbit-sized mammal that is incredibly adapted to its seasonally variable environment. The snowshoe hare is named for its hind feet, which are adapted for traveling across snowy ground and are therefore noticeably large relative to the hare’s body mass. Population Range The snowshoe hare has the most extensive range of all New World hares and is found in many northern and western U.S. states, as well as in all provinces of Canada except Nunavut. They are primarily a northern species that inhabits boreal forests and can also range as far north as the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Along North American mountain ranges, where elevation simulates the environment of more northerly latitudes, they can be found as far south as Virginia (the Appalachians) and New Mexico (the Rockies). Snowshoe hares occur from Newfoundland to Alaska; south in the Sierra Nevada to central California; in the Rocky Mountains to southern Utah and northern New Mexico; and in the Appalachian Mountains to North Carolina and Tennessee. Snowshoe hares are primarily found in boreal forests and upper montane forests; within these forests, they favor habitats with a dense shrub layer. In the Pacific Northwest, snowshoe hares occupy diverse habitats, including mature conifers (mostly Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii] and variants), immature conifers, alder (Alnus spp.)/salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)/salal (Gaultheria shallon), and cedar (Thuja spp.) swamps. In western Oregon, snowshoe hares were present in brush patches of vine maple (Acer circinatum), willows (Salix spp.), rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.), and other shrubs. In Utah, snowshoe hares used Gambel oak (Quercus gambelli) in the northern portion of the Gambel oak range. In the Southwest, the southernmost populations of snowshoe hares occur in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico, in subalpine scrub: narrow bands of shrubby and prostrate conifers at and just below timberline that are usually composed of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata), limber pine (P. flexilis), and/or common juniper (Juniperus communis). In Minnesota, snowshoe hares use jack pine (P. banksiana) uplands, edges, tamarack (Larix laricina) bogs, black spruce (Picea mariana) bogs, and sedge (Carex spp.), alder, and scrub fens. In New England, snowshoe hares favor second-growth aspen (Populus spp.)-birch (Betula spp.) near conifers, but other forest types occupied by snowshoe hares include aspens, paper birch (B. papyrifera), northern hardwoods, red maple (A. rubrum), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), red spruce (Picea rubens)-balsam fir, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), oak (Quercus spp.)-pine (Pinus spp.), eastern white pine (P. strobus)-northern red oak-red maple, and eastern white pine. Snowshoe hares also use shrub swamps dominated by buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), alders, and silky dogwood (Cornus ammomum). Locations of subspecies are as follows: Lepus americanus americanus (Erxleben) – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montana, and North Dakota L. a. cascadensis (Nelson) – British Columbia and Washington L. a. columbiensis (Rhoads) – British Columbia, Alberta, and Washington L. a. dalli (Merriam) – Mackenzie District, British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon L. a. klamathensis (Merriam) – Oregon and California L. a. oregonus (Orr) – Oregon L. a. pallidus (Cowan) – British Columbia L. a. phaeonotus (J. A. Allen) – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota L. a. pineus (Dalquest) – British Columbia, Idaho, and Washington L. a. seclusus (Baker and Hankins) – Wyoming L. a. struthopus (Bangs) – Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Maine L. a. tahoensis (Orr) – California, western Nevada L. a. virginianus (Harlan) – Ontario, Quebec, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee L. a. washingtonii (Baird) – British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon Description Snowshoe hares have an interesting adaptation that helps protect them against predators. Depending on the season, their fur can be a different color. During the winter, snowshoe hares are white, which helps them blend in with the snow. When the seasons change to spring and summer, snowshoe hares turn a reddish-brown. This color helps them camouflage with dirt and rocks. Not every part of the snowshoe hare changes color throughout the year. An important identification trick is to look at a snowshoe hare's ears. The tips of the ears are always black no matter the season. The hind legs of a snowshoe hare are noticeably larger, and have more fur and larger toes than those of other rabbits or hares. These adaptations provide additional surface area and support for walking on snow. The hind legs are what give the hare its common name. The fur of the snowshoe hare is extremely thick and has one of the highest insulation values of all mammals. Another adaptation which ensures that the snowshoe hare can survive in an environment that drastically changes seasonally is that its fur changes color between summer and winter. In winter, almost all individuals undergo molting that transforms the hare’s brown summer coat into one that is pure white apart from the black-tipped ears and the feet, which remain grey. It is thought that this enables the snowshoe hare to become camouflaged, and has evolved to coincide with snow cover. The snowshoe hare’s relatively short ears are also an adaptation to reduce heat loss in the winter. The female of this species tends to weigh approximately 10 to 25 percent more than the male. Physical Description Snowshoe hares range in length from 413 to 518 mm, of which 39 to 52 mm are tail. The hind foot, long and broad, measures 117 to 147 mm in length. The ears are 62 to 70 mm from notch to tip. Snowshoe hares usually weigh between 1.43 and 1.55 kg. Males are slightly smaller than females, as is typical for leporids. In the summer, the coat is a grizzled rusty or grayish brown, with a blackish middorsal line, buff flanks and a white belly. The face and legs are cinnamon brown. The ears are brownish with black tips and white or creamy borders. During the winter, the fur is almost entirely white, except for black eyelids and the blackened tips on the ears. The soles of the feet are densely furred, with stiff hairs (forming the snowshoe) on the hind feet. Coloring Hares are a bit larger than rabbits, and they typically have taller hind legs and longer ears. Snowshoe hares have especially large, furry feet that help them to move atop snow in the winter. They also have a snow-white winter coat that turns brown when the snow melts each spring. It takes about ten weeks for the coat to completely change color. The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, or snowshoe rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks. Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures. For camouflage, its fur turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its flanks are white year-round. The snowshoe hare is also distinguishable by the black tufts of fur on the edge of its ears. Its ears are shorter than those of most other hares. Preferred habitat Major variables in habitat quality include average visual obstruction and browse biomass. Snowshoe hares prefer young forests with abundant under-stories. The presence of cover is the primary determinant of habitat quality, and is more significant than food availability or species composition. Species composition does, however, influence population density; dense softwood under-stories support greater snowshoe hare density than hardwoods because of cover quality. In Maine, female snowshoe hares were observed to be more common on sites with less cover but more nutritious forage; males tended to be found on sites with heavier cover. Winter browse availability depends on height of understory brush and winter snow depth; 6-to-8-foot-tall (1.8 to 2.4 m) saplings with narrow stem diameters are required for winter browse in heavy snow. In northern regions, snowshoe hares occupy conifer and mixed forests in all stages of succession, but early successional forests foster peak abundance. Deciduous forests are usually occupied only in early stages of succession. In New England, snowshoe hares preferred second-growth deciduous, coniferous, and mixed woods with dense brushy under stories; they appear to prefer shrubby old-field areas, early- to mid-successional burns, shrub-swamps, bogs, and upper montane krumholz vegetation. In Maine, snowshoe hares were more active in clear-cut areas than in partially cut or uncut areas. Sapling densities were highest on 12- to 15-year-old plots; these plots were used more than younger stands. In northern Utah, they occupied all the later stages of succession on quaking aspen and spruce-fir, but were not observed in meadows. In Alberta, snowshoe hares use upland shrub-sapling stages of regenerating aspens (either postfire or postharvest). In British Columbia overstocked juvenile lodge-pole pine (Pinus contorta) stands formed optimal snowshoe hare habitat. In western Washington, most un-burned, burned, or scarified clear-cuts will normally be fully occupied by snowshoe hares within four to five years, as vegetation becomes dense. In older stands (more than 25 years), stem density begins to decline and cover for snowshoe hares decreases. However, in north-central Washington, they may not colonize clear-cuts until six or seven years, and it may take 20 to 25 years for their density to reach maximum. Winter snowshoe hare pellet counts were highest in 20-year-old lodge-pole pine stands, lower in older lodge-pole stands, and lowest in spruce-dominated stands. In western Oregon, snowshoe hares were abundant only in early successional stages, including stable brushfields. In west-central Oregon, an old-growth Douglas-fir forest was clear-cut and monitored through 10 years of succession. A few snowshoe hares were noted in adjacent virgin forest plots; they represented widely scattered, sparse populations. One snowshoe hare was observed on the disturbed plot 2.5 years after it had been clear-cut and burned; at this stage, ground cover was similar to that of the uncut forest. By 9 years after disturbance, snowshoe hare density had increased markedly. In western Washington, snowshoe hares routinely used steep slopes where cover was adequate; most studies, however, suggest they tend to prefer gentle slopes. Moonlight increases snowshoe hare vulnerability to predation, particularly in winter. They tend to avoid open areas during bright phases of the moon and during bright periods of a single night. Their activity usually shifts from coniferous under-stories in winter to hardwood under-stories in summer. Vegetative structure plays an important role in the size of snowshoe hare home ranges. Snowshoe hares wander up to 5 miles (8 km) when food is scarce. In Montana home ranges are smaller in brushy woods than in open woods. In Colorado and Utah, the average home range of both sexes was 20 acres (8.1 ha). On the Island of Montreal in Quebec, the average daily range for both sexes was 4 acres (1.6 ha) in old-field mixed woods. In Montana, the home range averaged 25 acres (10 ha) for males and 19 acres (7.6 ha) for females. In Oregon the average snowshoe hare home range was 14.6 acres (5.9 ha).[32] Home Range During its active period, a hare may cover up to 0.02 square kilometers of its 0.03 to 0.07 square kilometer home range. Cover requirements Snowshoe hares require dense, brushy, usually coniferous cover; thermal and escape cover are especially important for young hares. Low brush provides hiding, escape, and thermal cover. Heavy cover 10 feet (3 m) above ground provides protection from avian predators, and heavy cover 3.3 feet (1 m) tall provides cover from terrestrial predators. Overwinter survival increases with increased cover. A wide variety of habitat types are used if cover is available. Base visibility in good snowshoe hare habitat ranges from 2% at 16.5 feet (5 m) distance to 0% at 66 feet (20 m). Travel cover is slightly more open, ranging from 14.7% visibility at 16.5 feet (5 m) to 2.6% at 66 feet (20 m). Areas with horizontal vegetation density of 40 to 100% at 50 feet (15 m) are adequate snowshoe hare habitat in Utah. Food habits Snowshoe hares eat a variety of plant materials. Forage type varies with season. Succulent green vegetation is consumed when available from spring to fall; after the first frost, buds, twigs, evergreen needles, and bark form the bulk of snowshoe hare diets until spring greenup. Snowshoe hares typically feed at night and follow well-worn forest paths to feed on various plants and trees. Winter Snowshoe hares prefer branches, twigs, and small stems up to 0.25 inch (6.3 mm) diameter; larger stems are sometimes used in winter. In Yukon, they normally eat fast-growing birches and willows, and avoid spruce. At high densities, however, the apical shoots of small spruce are eaten. The snowshoe hare winter diet is dominated by bog birch (Betula glandulosa), which is preferred but not always available. Greyleaf willow (Salix glauca) is eaten most often when bog birch is not available. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) is the fourth most common diet item. White spruce (Picea glauca) is eaten, but not preferred. In Alaska, spruce, willows, and alders comprise 75% of snowshoe hare diets; spruce needles make up nearly 40% of the diet. In northwestern Oregon, winter foods include needles and tender bark of Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla); leaves and green twigs of salal; buds, twigs, and bark of willows; and green herbs. In north-central Washington, willows and birches are not plentiful; snowshoe hares browse the tips of lodgepole pine seedlings. In Utah, winter foods include Douglas-fir, willows, snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.), maples, and serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.). In Minnesota, aspens, willows, hazelnut (Corylus spp.), ferns (Pteridophyta spp.), birches, alders, sumacs (Rhus spp.), and strawberries (Fragaria spp.) are winter foods. Winter foods in New York include eastern white pine, red pine (Pinus resinosa), white spruce, paper birch, and aspens. In Ontario, sugar maple (Acer saccharum), striped maple (A. pensylvanicum), red maple, other deciduous species, northern white-cedar (T. occidentalis), balsam fir, beaked hazelnut (C. cornuta), and buffaloberry were heavily barked. In New Brunswick, snowshoe hares consumed northern white-cedar, spruces, American beech (Fagus grandifolia), balsam fir, mountain maple (A. spicatum), and many other species of browse. In Newfoundland, paper birch is preferred. Spring, summer and autumn In Alaska, snowshoe hares consume new leaves of blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), new shoots of field horsetails (Equisetum arvense), and fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) in spring. Grasses are not a major item due to low availability associated with sites that have adequate cover. In summer, leaves of willows, black spruce, birches, and bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum) are also consumed. Black spruce is the most heavily used and the most common species in the area. Pen trials suggest black spruce is not actually preferred. Roses (Rosa spp.) were preferred, but a minor dietary item, as they were not common in the study area. In northwest Oregon, summer foods include grasses, clovers (Trifolium spp.), other forbs, and some woody plants, including Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, and young leaves and twigs of salal. In Minnesota, aspens, willows, grasses, birches, alders, sumacs, and strawberries are consumed when green. In Ontario, summer diets consist of clovers, grasses, and forbs. Behavior Snowshoe hares feed at night, following well worn forest paths to feed on trees and shrubs, grasses, and plants. These animals are nimble and fast, which is fortunate, because they are a popular target for many predators. Lynx, fox, coyote, and even some birds of prey hunt this wary hare. Hares like to take dust baths. These help to remove ectoparasites from the hares' fur. Snowshoe hares are also accomplished swimmers. They occasionally swim across small lakes and rivers, and they have been seen entering the water in order to avoid predators. With the hindfeet splayed and the front feet close together, a snowshoe hare can erupt into a full run from a sitting position, attaining bursts of speeds of up to 40-56 km/h (25-35 mph) in a matter of seconds. Social System - The species is solitary, promiscuous, and sedentary. Males compete aggressively for receptive females, biting and scratching each other. Rarely, such encounters prove fatal to one of the combatants. Both sexes occupy small, overlapping home ranges of 1.6-4.8 ha (4-12 acre) that vary in shape with the configuration of the habitat. This species, which is well known for its dramatic fluctuations in numbers in other parts of its range, maintains relatively stable populations is the Adirondacks, and within suitable habitat, some of the highest densities anywhere, 1.7 per ha (0.7 per acre) Communication - Snowshoe hares use visual, tactile, vocal, chemical, and mechanical signals to communicate. Individuals "thump" with their hindfeet, perhaps as an alarm signal. During courtship, partners may touch noses before a male rushes or chases the female. Chases then alternate between the two, both stopping abruptly and turing to leap over the back of the other. Both may urinate on the other while leaping. Snowshoe hares perform guttural hisses at the conclusion of mating, and grunt, snort, or growl in other contexts. When captured, injured or frightened, they may scream. Communication and Perception Snowshoe hares have acute hearing, which presumably helps them to identify approaching predators. They are not particularly vocal animals, but may make loud squealing sounds when captured. When engaging in aggressive activities, these animals may hiss and snort. Most communication between hares involves thumping the hind feet against the ground. In summer, it feeds on plants such as grass, ferns and leaves; in winter, it eats twigs, the bark from trees, and buds from flowers and plants and, similar to the Arctic hare, has been known to steal meat from baited traps. Hares are carnivorous under the availability of dead animals, and have been known to eat dead rodents such as mice due to low availability of protein in a herbivorous diet. It can sometimes be seen feeding in small groups. This animal is mainly active at night and does not hibernate. The snowshoe hare has been reported to make many characteristic hare vocalizations, which are mainly emitted as a result of fear or stress associated with capture or predation. A common snowshoe hare vocalization is a high-pitched squeal, and other noises include whines, grunts and clicking sounds. Snowshoe hares are crepuscular to nocturnal. They are shy and secretive and spend most of the day in shallow depressions, called forms, scraped out under clumps of ferns, brush thickets, and downed piles of timber. They occasionally use the large burrows of mountain beavers (Aplodontia rufa) as forms. The snowshoe hare is a social species and has been spotted in groups of up to 25 individuals in one forest clearing at night, unlike most other Lepus species which are solitary until the mating season. Diurnal activity level increases during the breeding season. Juveniles are usually more active and less cautious than adults. Snowshoe hares are active year-round. The breeding season for hares is stimulated by new vegetation and varies with latitude, location, and yearly events (such as weather conditions and phase of snowshoe hare population cycle). Breeding generally begins in late December to January and lasts until July or August. In northwestern Oregon, male peak breeding activity (as determined by testes weight) occurs in May and is at the minimum in November. In Ontario, the peak is in May and in Newfoundland, the peak is in June. Female estrus begins in March in Newfoundland, Alberta, and Maine, and in early April in Michigan and Colorado. First litters of the year are born from mid-April to May. The gestation period is 35 to 40 days; most studies report 37 days as the average length of gestation. Litters average three to five leverets depending on latitude, elevation, and phase of population cycle, ranging from one to seven. Deep snow-pack increases the amount of upper-branch browse available to snowshoe hares in winter, and therefore has a positive relationship with the nutritional status of breeding adults. Litters are usually smaller in the southern sections of their range since there is less snow. Newborns are fully furred, open-eyed, and mobile. T hey leave the natal form within a short time after birth, often within 24 hours. After leaving the birthplace, siblings stay near each other during the day, gathering once each evening to nurse. Weaning occurs at 25 to 28 days except for the last litter of the season, which may nurse for two months or longer. Female snowshoe hares can become pregnant anytime after the 35th day of gestation. The second litter can therefore be conceived before the first litter is born (snowshoe hares have twin uteri). Pregnancy rates ranged from 78 to 100% for females during the period of first litter production, 82 to 100% for second litters, and for the periods of third and fourth litters pregnancy rates vary with population cycle. In Newfoundland, the average number of litters per female per year ranged from 2.9 to 3.5, and in Alberta the range was from 2.7 to 3.3. In Alberta the average number of litters per year was almost 3 just after a population peak and 4 just after the population low. Females normally first breed as 1-year-olds. Juvenile breeding is rare and has only been observed in females from the first litter of the year and only in years immediately following a low point in the population cycle. Reproduction Like most hares (and rabbits), snowshoe hares are prolific breeders. Females have two or three litters each year, which include from one to eight young per litter. Young hares, called leverets, require little care from their mothers and can survive on their own in a month or less. Snowshoe hare populations fluctuate cyclically about once a decade—possibly because of disease. These waning and waxing numbers greatly impact the animals that count on hares for food, particularly the lynx. The snowshoe hare may have up to four litters in a year which average three to eight young. Males compete for females, and females may breed with several males. Young snowshoe hares, known as leverets, are born in nests which consist of shallow depressions dug into the ground. They are born with a full coat of fur and with their eyes open, and remain concealed within dense vegetation. The female snowshoe hare visits the leverets to nurse them. Hares greatly influence the world around them, including the vegetation, predators, and other herbivores and omnivores that live in the same habitats. Hares browse heavily on vegetation. Browsing affects the growth of plants and stimulates plants to produce secondary compounds that make them unpalatable for hares and other omnivores. Predation The relationship between snowshoe hares and their year-round predators including lynx, great-horned owls, and northern goshawks is well documented. These and other predators such as golden eagles depend on snowshoe hares as a food source early in the nesting season. Across the boreal forest, the population size and reproductive success of many predators cycles with the abundance of hare. In Yukon, 30-day survival of radio-tagged leverets was 46%, 15%, and 43% for the first, second, and third litters of the year, respectively. There were no differences in mortality in plots with food added. The main proximate cause of mortality was predation by small mammals, including red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii). Littermates tended to live or die together more often than by chance. Individual survival was negatively related to litter size and positively related to body size at birth. Litter size is negatively correlated with body size at birth. Snowshoe hares are experts at escaping predators. Young hares often "freeze" in their tracks when they are alerted to the presence of a predator. Presumably, they are attempting to escape notice by being cryptic. Given the hare's background-matching coloration, this strategy is quite effective. Older hares are more likely to escape predators by fleeing. At top speed, a snowshoe hare can travel up to 27 mile per hour. An adult hare can cover up to 10 feet in a single bound. In addition to high speeds, hares employ skillful changes in direction and vertical leaps, which may cause a predator to misjudge the exact position of the animal from one moment to the next. Important predators of snowshoe hares include gray foxes, red foxes, coyotes, wolves, lynx, bobcats and mink. Predators The snowshoe hare is a major prey item for a number of predators. Major predators include Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), bobcats (L. rufus), fishers (Martes pennanti), American martens (M. americana), long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), minks (M. vison), foxes (Vulpes and Urocyon spp.), coyote (Canis latrans), domestic dogs (C. familiaris), domestic cats (Felis catus), wolves (C. lupus), mountain lions (Felis concolor), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), barred owls (Strix varia), spotted owls (S. occidentalis), other owls, red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), other hawks (Buteonidae), golden eagles (Aquila chryseatos), and crows and ravens. Other predators include black bears (Ursus americanus). In Glacier National Park snowshoe hares are a prey item of Rocky Mountain wolves (Canis lupus irremotus). A major predator of the snowshoe hare is the Canadian lynx. Historical records of animals caught by fur hunters over hundreds of years show the lynx and hare numbers rising and falling in a cycle, which has made the hare known to biology students worldwide as a case study of the relationship between numbers of predators and their prey. Northern populations of snowshoe hares undergo cycles that range from seven to 17 years between population peaks. The average time between peaks is approximately 10 years. The period of abundance usually lasts for two to five years, followed by a population decline to lower numbers or local scarcity. Areas of great abundance tend to be scattered. Populations do not peak simultaneously in all areas, although a great deal of synchronicity occurs in northern latitudes. From 1931 to 1948, the cycle was synchronized within one or two years over most of Canada and Alaska, despite differences in predators and food supplies. In central Alberta, low snowshoe hare density occurred in 1965, with 42 to 74 snowshoe hares per 100 acres (40 ha). The population peak occurred in November 1970 with 2,830 to 5,660 snowshoe hares per 100 acres (40 ha). In the southern parts of its range, snowshoe hare populations do not fluctuate radically. As well as being prey to a number of forest animals, the snowshoe hare is hunted mainly for food by humans, particularly in Canada. Habitat loss and fragmentation, and possibly climate change, also threaten populations of the snowshoe hare. Clear-cutting of forests, whereby most or all of the trees in an area are cut down, reduces the area of ideal habitat for the snowshoe hare, which tends not to venture into open areas. The hares reach maturity after one year. Many hares do not live this long. But some hares can live as long as five years in the wild. Snowshoe hare conservation Although the snowshoe hare currently has a stable population trend and is not currently considered to be threatened, there are some conservation strategies in place for this species. In order to increase populations of the snowshoe hare in some southern states, hunting has been banned either permanently or temporarily, although it is not certain how effective this has been. In some areas, snowshoe hares have been bred in captivity and introduced to the wild in order to artificially boost populations. However, this has not been overly successful as many of these hares die during transport, and those that are introduced to the habitat are extremely susceptible to predation. Predator control has been suggested as a means of reducing mortality in the snowshoe hare, but this method produces several challenges for conservationists. Further research into various aspects of the snowshoe hare’s ecology has been recommended, as well as long-term monitoring of the species’ population trends, and studies on the impact of specific forestry management. In addition, the snowshoe hare occurs in several U.S. National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), including Koyukuk NWR, Red Rock Lakes NWR and Kodiak NWR, which are likely to afford it some protection. Snowshoe hares have been widely studied. One of the more interesting things known about hares are the dramatic population cycles that they undergo. Population densities can vary from 1 to 10,000 hares per square mile. The amplitude of the population fluctuations varies across the geographic range. It is greatest in northwestern Canada, and least in the rocky Mountain region of the United States, perhaps because there is more biological diversity in more southerly regions. The lack of diversity in the Northwestern portion of the hare's range means that there are fewer links in the food chain, and therefore fewer species to buffer either dramatic population increases or decreases. Disease may play a part in population fluctuation. Pneumonococcus, ringworm, and salmonella have all been associated with population crashes. Snowshoe hares are also famous for their seasonal molts. In the summer, the coat of the hare is reddish brown or gray, but during the winter, the coat is snowy white. The molt usually takes about 72 days to reach completion, and it seems to be regulated by day-length. Interestingly, there seem to be two entirely different sets of hair follicles, which give rise to white and brown hairs, respectively.  In the wild as much as 85% of snowshoe hares do not live longer than one year. Individuals may live up to 5 years in the wild. Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Snowshoe hares are utilized widely as a source of wild meat. In addition to this, they are an important prey species for many predators whose furs are highly valued. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/s/snowshoe-hare/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowshoe_hare https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Snowshoe-Hare http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/who_we_are/ssc_specialist_groups_and_red_list_authorities_directory/mammals/lagomorph_specialist_group/ https://www.arkive.org/snowshoe-hare/lepus-americanus/ http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lepus_americanus/ https://www.esf.edu/aec/adks/mammals/snowshoe_hare.htm https://www.denali.org/denalis-natural-history/snowshoe-hare/ https://www.nps.gov/articles/snowshoe-hare.htm Snoring and Nasal Obstruction in Rabbits Did you know rabbits snore? Even occurring while they are awake, it is generally a result of blockage in the animal's airway. Typically referred to as stertor and stridor, it can also occur if nasal tissues are weak or flaccid or from excessive fluid in the passages. Symptoms The symptoms, signs and types of stertor and stridor depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. For example, an extremely stressed rabbit or a rabbit with a lowered immune system may sound excessively hoarse while breathing. Other typical signs for rabbits suffering from stertor and stridor include: Sneezing Rapid or loud wheezing sounds during breathing Nasal discharge (sometimes due to sinusitis or rhinitis) Discharge from the eyes Lack of appetite Inability to chew or swallow Oral abscesses (especially in the teeth) Causes Rabbits tend to be nasal breathers and any physical deformity or unusual nasal structure can result in a lower-pitched (stertor) or higher-pitched (stridor) sound emanating from the airway or nose. There are, however, many other causes for stertor and stridor in rabbits. These include: Sinusitis and rhinitis Abscesses, elongated teeth or secondary bacterial infections Facial, nasal or other trauma affecting this region, including bites from other insects or animals Allergies and irritants including inhaling pollen, dust or other insects Tumors that lodge in the airway Dysfunction of the neuromuscular system, which may include hypothyroidism or diseases affecting the brainstem Swelling and edema in the upper respiratory system Inflammation of the soft palate or throat and voice box Anxiety or stress Diagnosis To diagnose the animal, a veterinarian will first determine where the sounds are originating from in the rabbit. They will then conduct various lab tests, including X-rays, which are used to explore the rabbit's nasal cavity and identify any facial abnormalities or signs of abscesses and bacterial infections, such as Pasteurella. Other procedures may include collecting cultures Treatment includes providing supplemental oxygen to the rabbit, when appropriate, and providing a quite, cool and calm environment in which to live. A rabbit must also have a clear and unobstructed airway, keeping its ear and nasal cavities clean and debris-free. To combat harmful bacterial infections from developing, the veterinarian may alter the rabbit's diet to include more leafy greens. Medications which are helpful to control bacterial sinusitis, rhinitis or other related infection include antibiotics. And while steroids may be used to reduce nasal swelling or inflammation, it can worsen bacterial infections and should only be used when absolutely necessary and under the direct care of a trained veterinarian. Living and Management Because stertor and stridor are often related to airway obstructions, there are many serious complications which may arise. Pulmonary edema, or fluid retention in the lungs or airway, is one such common example. It is, therefore, important to closely monitor the rabbit and bring it to the veterinarian's office for regular checkups and follow-up care during recovery. https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/nose/c_rb_stertor_stridor The Shot Hare Wales Beti Ifan was one of the witches of Bedd Gelert. Her fear had fallen upon nearly all the inhabitants, so that she was refused nothing by any one, for she had the reputation of being able to handle ghosts, and to curse people and their possessions. She therefore lived in comfort and ease, doing nothing except keeping her house moderately clean, and leaning on the lower half of her front door knitting and watching passers-by. But there was one man in the village, a cobbler and a skilled poacher, who feared neither Beti Ifan nor any other old hag of the kind. His great hobby was to tease and annoy the old woman by showing her a hare or a wild duck, and asking her if she would like to get it. When she replied she would, he used to hand it almost within her reach and then pull it back, and walk away. She could not do him much harm, as he had a birthmark above his breast; but she contrived a way by which she could have her revenge on him. She used to transform herself into a wild duck or hare, and continually appear before him on the meadows and among the trees whenever he went out poaching, but took good care to keep outside the reach of the gun. He, being a good shot, and finding himself missing so frequently, began to suspect something to be amiss. He knew of a doctor who was a "skilled man" living not far away, so he went to consult him. The doctor told him, "Next time you go out take with you a small branch of mountain ash, and a bit of vervain and place it under the stock of the gun." Then giving him a piece of paper with some writing on, he said, "When you see the hare, or any other creature of which you have some doubt, read this backward, and if it is old Beti you will see her in her own form, though she retain her assumed form; shoot at her legs, but mind you do not shoot her anywhere else." The next day, as he was working his way through a grove near Beti's house, he could see a large hare hopping in front of him. He drew out his paper and read as he was instructed; he then fired at her legs, and the hare ran towards Beti's cottage. He ran after it, and was just in time to see the hare jumping over the lower half of the house door. Going up to the cottage he could hear the old woman groaning; when he went in she was sitting by the fire with blood streaming from her legs. He was never again troubled with the hare-like appearances of old Beti'r Fedw. https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type3055.html#haas © Copyrighted

This is part 3 of the third program with biodynamic agriculture educator, Glen Atkinson. The topic is How Steiner's Medical Lectures inform his Agriculture Lectures. If you are not familiar with Rudolf Steiner and biodynamics or have no motivation as a biodynamic practitioner to gain deep insights into the basic principles of biodynamic agriculture, then there is no reason to listen to this particular lecture series. This is a very heady program. As you will hear, Glen leaves me behind in the first 10 minutes of each segment. This is no reflection on Glen as a teacher. It's the topic, which for me, who, for example, is still traumatized by high school chemistry class, is hard to wrap the mind around ( or is it open the mind to? ) Any, if you are going to slog forward, Glen has provided some PowerPoint style graphics for this topic. They are at the show notes at www.bdnow.org. He has also provided a copy of his paper on Equisetum, which is referenced in the lecture. It will give you a good idea of the concepts in this lecture in practice. The paper is also at the show notes for this episode at bdnow.org Remember, if listening to this podcast brings up any questions, you can ask those questions in the "reply" section of the show notes of this episode. Glen will be directly answering your questions posted there. If you're planning on going this deeply into a biodynamic practice, you owe it to yourself and, frankly, others who will read your question and Glen's response, to take advantage of this opportunity. As always, if you appreciate what we are trying to accomplish with these podcasts on producing food of the highest nutritional quality, please leave a positive comment at the end of the show notes AND PLEASE rate us with maximum stars at iTunes or which ever podcast distributer you use.

BD Now! Special Episode 03.2 How the Medical Lectures Inform the Agriculture Lectures This is part 2 (of 3) of the third program with biodynamic agriculture educator, Glen Atkinson. The topic is How Steiner's Medical Lectures inform his Agriculture Lectures. If you are not familiar with Rudolf Steiner and biodynamics or have no motivation as a biodynamic practitioner to gain deep insights into the basic principles of biodynamic agriculture, then there is no reason to listen to this particular lecture series. This is a very heady program. As you will hear, Glen leaves me behing in the first 10 minutes and this is no reflection on Glen as a teacher. It's the topic, which for me, who, for example, is still traumatized by high school chemistry class, is hard to wrap the mind around ( or is it open the mind to? ) Any, if you are going to schlog forward, Glen has provided some PowerPoint style graphics for this topic. They are at the show notes at bdnow.org. He has also provided a copy of his paper on Equisetum, which is referenced in the lecture. It will give you a good idea of the concepts in this lecture in practice. The paper is also at the show notes for this episode at bdnow.org Remember, if listening to this podcast brings up any questions, you can ask those questions in the "reply" section of the show notes of this episode. Glen will be directly answering your questions posted there. If you're planning on going this deeply into a biodynamic practice, you owe it to yourself and, frankly, others who will read your question and Glen's response, to take advantage of this opportunity. As always, if you appreciate what we are trying to accomplish with these podcasts on producing food of the highest nutritional quality, please leave a positive comment at the end of the show notes AND PLEASE rate us with maximum stars at Itunes or which ever podcast distributer you use.

This is part 1 of the third program with biodynamic agriculture educator, Glen Atkinson. The topic is How Steiner's Medical Lectures inform his Agriculture Lectures. If you are not familiar with Rudolf Steiner and biodynamics or have no motivation as a biodynamic practitioner to gain deep insights into the basic principles of biodynamic agriculture, then there is no reason to listen to this particular lecture series. This is a very heady program. As you will hear, Glen leaves me behing in the first 10 minutes and this is no reflection on Glen as a teacher. It's the topic, which for me, who, for example, is still traumatized by high school chemistry class, is hard to wrap the mind around ( or is it open the mind to? ) Any, if you are going to schlog forward, Glen has provided some PowerPoint style graphics for this topic. They are at the show notes at bdnow.org. He has also provided a copy of his paper on Equisetum, which is referenced in the lecture. It will give you a good idea of the concepts in this lecture in practice. The paper is also at the show notes for this episode at bdnow.org Remember, if listening to this podcast brings up any questions, you can ask those questions in the "reply" section of the show notes of this episode. Glen will be directly answering your questions posted there. If you're planning on going this deeply into a biodynamic practice, you owe it to yourself and, frankly, others who will read your question and Glen's response, to take advantage of this opportunity. As always, if you appreciate what we are trying to accomplish with these podcasts on producing food of the highest nutritional quality, please leave a positive comment at the end of the show notes AND PLEASE rate us with maximum stars at Itunes or which ever podcast distributer you use.