Erika Zambello

TLC Prescribed Burns Q&A

January 21, 2015

On Thursday, January 22, 2015, TLC will be conducting prescribed burns on our Horton Grove Nature Preserve to protect its unique warm season grassland ecosystem and promote oak regeneration in parts of the hardwood forest. TLC will conduct a separate burn at Horton Grove on another date in order to prepare a Pine Savanna for […]

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New Traditions for Boxing Day

December 28, 2014

Christmas may be over, but around the world people also celebrated the day after Christmas – Boxing Day. In Medieval Europe, the poor received their alms and donations the day after Christmas, as did servants and employees of the wealthy aristocracy, resulting in two possible origins of the “Boxing Day” holiday. In fact, the popular […]

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Making Local Food Part of Your Holiday Traditions

December 19, 2014

The holidays are barely a week away, which means fun, family, and of course, food. Spice up your holiday table this season with local food from growers in your community. Can your produce purchase make a difference? Absolutely, and here’s why: 1) Local produce tastes better. Instead of growing varieties that must survive long transportation […]

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Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday

December 12, 2014

It’s the holiday season, which means time with family, great food, gifts, and colorful decorations. But did you know it’s also the most wasteful time of year? According to Vanderbilt University’s sustainability guide, “Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.” In the newest edition of “The Dirt” we will explore […]

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Having Fun all Winter Long!

December 5, 2014

Winter has arrived! While temperatures may be cooler, North Carolina still boasts a plethora of fun outdoor activities. Outdoor Ice Skating Whether you are a novice or experienced skater, you must check out Raleigh’s signature outdoor skating rink as part of the city’s two month winter celebration, Ipreo Raleigh’s Winterfest. The ice rink, open from […]

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Buying Local this Holiday Season

November 28, 2014

As we enter the holiday season, shoppers everywhere should consider buying local, not only for holiday presents but also for produce, meats, and dairy for holiday meals and celebrations. However, it is often difficult to know where to start when shopping for local, sustainable gifts. In this addition of TLC’s “The Dirt” blog, we will […]

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Building Trails at the New Horton Grove Nature Preserve

November 21, 2014

Photo by Chelsea Clifford It was a perfect afternoon as the three Duke Conservation Society volunteers and I stepped out of the car. It was just after 12 p.m. on a Wednesday, with the temperature hovering around 70 degrees. No clouds blocked the sky, and the sunlight streamed through the leaves that were just beginning […]

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Fall Migration at Horton Grove Nature Preserve

October 10, 2014

The mist was rising as we pulled into the Horton Grove parking lot. It was just after 7:30 a.m., the sun had only been up for half an hour, and it cast beautiful slanted light across the preserve’s Piedmont prairie. My friend and I were there not only to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also […]

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Good and Bad News for America’s Waterways

September 19, 2014

A recent long-term study done by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has good and bad news to report on the state of streams and rivers in the United States. On a positive note, there has been a “striking decline in dangers to humans from pesticide pollution,” writes Michael Wines for the New York Times. […]

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