Polecat Ponderings

Polecat Ponderings

  By John Pollpeter Often we don’t give them much mind. We smell them dead on the road or checking out our campsite late in the evening. Skunks, or locally known as “polecats,” are a unique member of our Purchase Area ecology.  The term “polecat” comes from a close relative found in Eurasia. The name transferred with European settlement. It is an old French word meaning chicken- “poule.” So in essence, polecat means “the cat that eats chickens." The word “skunk” comes from the Algonquin name, as does other common American animals like moose and opossum. One thing that makes…
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Field Guide to Fall Hiking

Field Guide to Fall Hiking

By John Pollpeter, Lead Naturalist, Woodlands Nature Station Honker Lake Trail Autumn brings some of the best hiking opportunities at Land Between the Lakes. The changing colors and mild temperatures chase away the feelings of heat and humidity of late summer. Honker Lake Trail checks off all the major components for a great fall day hike – and more! My favorite, Honker Trail is located near our Woodlands Nature Station. You can easily come visit our back yard with our natural gardens, bat boxes, and rescued native animals before or after your hike. The trail loops around Honker Lake for…
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