Author Archives: Kelly

The Root of the Matter

In the forest, a tree’s broad, showy crown might catch our attention, but the roots are really the long arm of the log.

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Posted in Fall, Nature by the Seasons, Plants, Spring, Summer, Trees, Videos, Winter | Comments Off

Basking with the Turtles

Humans and the turtles of Central Park have something in common, but don’t worry; it’s only skin deep. Kelly Rypkema reveals this D-light-ful similarity and why reptiles bask in the sun for more than just raising their body temperature. Trouble more »

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Posted in Animal Behavior, Animals, Nature by the Seasons, People and Nature, Reptiles and Amphibians, Spring, Summer, Videos | Comments Off

Hurricane Irene in New York

New York City experienced a rare weather event this weekend as Hurricane Irene swept the East Coast. Host Kelly Rypkema shares her personal observations and round-the-clock footage of the storm’s effects on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.  

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Posted in Fall, Nature by the Seasons, Summer, Videos, Weather and Sky | Comments Off

Leaf Miners

Leaf miners are on the loose in Central Park, unleashing their own kind of vandalism. Kelly Rypkema is hot on the trail of these marauding insects. They’re frass-king for it…

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Posted in Animals, Nature by the Seasons, Plants, Poop, Droppings, and other Calling Cards, Spiders and Insects, Spring, Summer, Videos | Comments Off

Cicada Killer, Forest Predator

Kelly Rypkema finds a stinging “killer” of the forest, and an example of how the fiercest predators can fall prey to the smallest animals in Nature’s circle of life.

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Posted in Animals, Nature by the Seasons, Predators and Prey, Spiders and Insects, Summer | Comments Off

Cicada, the Chubby Bug

Droning cicadas rattling out their mating call are a sure sign of summer. Kelly Rypkema shows how to get a close look at these very large insects – from a safe distance.

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Posted in Animal Behavior, Animals, Communication, Nature by the Seasons, People and Nature, Poop, Droppings, and other Calling Cards, Spiders and Insects, Summer | Comments Off

The Palisades

The Jersey Palisades are a reminder of New York City’s volcanic past. Host Kelly Rypkema demonstrates how these towering rock cliffs across the Hudson were formed like a cookie, and with delicious results.

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Posted in Fall, Nature by the Seasons, Rocks and Earth, Spring, Summer, Winter | Comments Off

Peregrine Falcon, City Celebrity

Kelly Rypkema explores 55 Water Street for signs of good Peregrine habitat – and hopefully a glimpse of the famous falcons themselves.

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Posted in Animals, Birds, Habitats of City Wildlife, Nature by the Seasons, People and Nature, Poop, Droppings, and other Calling Cards, Predators and Prey, Spring, Summer | Comments Off

Fireflies: Part Deux

Kelly Rypkema takes a closer look at just what’s being said at those firefly light shows on warm summer nights — and how you can join in the fun!

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Posted in Animal Behavior, Animals, Communication, Mating and Courtship, Nature by the Seasons, People and Nature, Spiders and Insects, Summer, Talking with Animals | Comments Off

The Poo-pisode

Though New York City streets might sometimes seem empty of wildlife, Kelly Rypkema points out a telltale clue that urban animals are all around. Trouble viewing? Watch on YouTube instead.

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Posted in Animals, Birds, Fall, Nature by the Seasons, People and Nature, Spring, Summer, Winter | Comments Off