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Articles by Marlene Condon
Government-sponsored deer are depleting our natural resources | Marlene Condon
When I was considering going to graduate school, I thought about perhaps studying climate and weather — which seemed more necessary to everyone’s everyday life — than to become the astronomer I had planned on being since the age of 7. Thus, I visited the local climatologist at the University of Virginia to discuss this idea with him. kAm(6 925 2 =@?8 5:D4FDD:@?[ H9:49 :?4=F565 2 C6G6=2E:@? WE@ >6X 23@FE H92E 4=:>2E@=@8:DED ?665 E@ 4@?D:56C H96?
Everyone should conserve water, especially during a drought | Marlene Condon
By the beginning of spring this year in western Albemarle County (the area where I reside), we were already in a serious drought. We had gotten only 6.2 inches of rain (according to my rain gauge) through the end of March — a paltry figure when compared to a normal of 12 inches in preparation for our growing season. kAm%:>6 H2D H96? ':C8:?:2 H@F=5 2G6C286 23@FE 2? :?49 @7 C2:?
Mother Nature insists we use standard time year-around | Marlene Condon
Any day now, the Senate may get around to voting for making daylight saving time our year-around reference for living our lives. That would be a huge mistake in many ways, and constituents need to let their senators know their thoughts as quickly as possible (or send this column to them with a personal signed note). Herewith some facts for you to take into account before putting your fingertips to the keyboard or your pen to paper. Consider how hot the Earth has become, thanks to climate change.
Everyone should have a mimosa | Marlene Condon
On June 9, I happened to be on Hillsdale Drive in Albemarle County where I was extremely dismayed to see that most, if not all, of the mimosa trees had been sprayed and were now yellow. Thanks to Gov.
An overdeveloped world doesn't support wildlife | Marlene Condon
I’ve been an observer of the natural world for literally as long as I can remember. My very first memory is of walking along the city sidewalk with my older sister as she pushed a baby carriage containing our baby brother. As he is 2 1/2 years younger than I am, I know I must have been approaching the age of 3 as it was springtime — the time of my own birth — and my brother had been born at the end of the previous year.
The ribbon of death for plants — and animals too | Marlene Condon
I walk several miles almost every day. Sadly, one day recently, I discovered someone had been through the area where I live and had put ribbons around non-native woody plants along the roadway and along the borders of some properties. kAm%96 C:33@?D @3G:@FD=J D:8?:7:65 562E9 7@C E96 >2C<65 A=2?ED[ 4@FCE6DJ @7 v@G] p3:82:= $A2?36C86C’D C646?E=J A2DD65 3:==D 282:?DE D@\42==65 :?G2D:G6 A=2?ED E92E ?2E:G:DED WA6@A=6 H9@ DFAA@CE 2 A@=:4J @7 @?=J 2==@H:?8 ?2E:G6 A=2?ED E@ 36 D@=5 @C 8C@H? :?
With native trees dying, it’s time to embrace 'invasive' plants | Marlene Condon
The Daily Progress newspaper of April 16, 2026, included this article headline: “Outpacing evolution: Scientists using DNA to battle climate change." Apparently, scientists have given up on getting people to change their ways to avoid climate problems brought about by our extensive employment of fossil fuels. kAmx?DE625[ E96J’G6 564:565 :E H@F=5 36 “62D:6C” W5@?’E 36=:6G6 :EX E@ 4@>A=6E6=J 2=E6C E96 86?6E:4 3=F6AC:?E 7@C E96 6DE:>2E65 ` >:==:@? DA64:6D 724:?8 6IE:?4E:@? D@ E96D6 4C62EFC6D 42?
Environmental 'saviors' are destroying the Earth | Marlene Condon
In 1984, my husband and I, and our car, crossed the James River on the Hatton Ferry, which was located near Scottsville. (The ferry has since been retired from use due to liability concerns, a very sad reflection of life in today’s litigious world.) kAmp7E6C 5:D6>32C<:?8 @? E96 @E96C D:56[ H6 A2C<65 @FC 42C :?
Butterfly
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Feed the birds. But educate yourself first. | Marlene Condon
Over the years, wildlife professionals have frowned upon people who feed birds and perhaps other kinds of wildlife in their yards. The reasons for this attitude are many. kAm%96D6 7@=<D H@CCJ 23@FE E96 DAC625 @7 5:D62D6 H96? 3:C5D 2C6 4@?DE2?E=J :? 4=@D6 4@?E24E H:E9 6249 @E96C] %96J 2=D@ 2C6 4@?46C?65 E92E 7@=<D H:== AC@G:56 7@@5 >62?E 7@C A6@A=6 E92E >2J 36 F?962=E97F= E@ H:=5=:76] p55:E:@?2==J[ E96D6 2?:>2=D 4@F=5 E96? 364@>6 923:EF2E65 E@ 9F>2?D 2?5 @G6C E:>6 24E 288C6DD:G6=J E@H2C5D A6@A=6 H96?
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We must face the environmental reality of our energy usage | Marlene Condon
While in grade school, I lived in an area with a large municipal park. Named Forest Park, it contained caged wild animals in addition to picnic tables and other amenities for people to enjoy. Schools brought children there for end-of-the-school-year picnics, but I never truly enjoyed myself. kAm%96 9@FD:?8 4@?5:E:@?D 7@C E96 >@C6 :?E6==:86?E 2?:>2=D H6C6 ECF=J 56A=@C23=6[ E96 H@CDE 36:?8 E92E @7 2 =@?6 A@=2C 362C W&CDFD >2C:E:>FDX 9@FD65 :?
Nature's best hope: 'Invasive' plants | Marlene Condon
Recently, a number of posts were made on the Virginia Bird Listserv (a website where birders comment on anything having to do with birds) regarding quite a decrease in the numbers of birds seen this fall. One woman, from the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County, commented that she had been noticing “this for several months now, particularly the local birds. Numbers are way down.
Sanitized
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Marlene Condon: Cats kill birds and other wildlife. Why doesn’t anyone seem to care?
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was enacted to provide federal protection to birds that travel between the United States and Canada. “The statute makes it unlawful without a waiver to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell nearly 1,100 species of birds listed therein as migratory birds. The statute does not discriminate between live or dead birds and also grants full protection to any bird parts, including feathers, eggs, and nests.” kAm*@F >:89E H@?56C H9J E96D6 3:C5D H6C6 8:G6?
Marlene and cat
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Nature Notes: Human saliva stimulates healing
A wonderfully valid saying of Albert Einstein is that we should, “Look deep into Nature and you will understand everything.” When I wrote my book, “The Nature-friendly Garden,” in 2005, I mentioned that no matter how many precautions you took, you would still get scratches while gardening. I dutifully pointed out that it was essential to keep tetanus shots up to date and to clean your wounds with soap and water.
Marlene Condon: The living landscape - even parking lots can buzz with life
The past few times I’ve gone to Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville, I’ve been extremely dismayed to see workmen digging out perfectly healthy plants from the islands located across from the storefronts, and even at the corner of Millmont Street and Barracks Road. kAmx7 E96J’5 366? C6>@G:?8 E96 D:4<=J EC66D D@ AC6G2=6?E H:E9:? E96 G2C:@FD A2C<:?8 =@ED WH96C6 E96 EC66D D9@F=5?’E 92G6 366? A=2?E65 :? E96 7:CDE A=246X[ :E H@F=5 92G6 >256 D6?D6] qFE ?@[ E96 2:=:?8 EC66D DE:== DE@@5 :?
Abelia bee
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Nature Notes: Red foxes make good neighbors
When I heard that Harrisonburg city personnel had killed two raccoons and a fox for supposedly digging up areas of the Heritage Oaks Golf Course, I wrote to City Manager Alexander Banks VI.
Marlene Condon: God Bless America? Not today’s America.
Time was when the American flag represented America — period. It was a symbol of which to be proud, whether or not you were politically active. You knew it “spoke” on behalf of every citizen in the country. Unfortunately, it has now lost this significance and only stands for one political group: conservatives. kAmtG6CJ@?6 C64@8?:K6D E92E 2?J 9@FD6 H:E9 E9:D 7=28 2EE24965 E@ 2 A@C49[ 76?46 @C D9@CE A@=6 :?
Flags at hospital
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Nature Notes: Spooky sounds for Halloween can be heard at night during autumn
At this time of the year, you may be lucky enough to hear owls calling, especially the Eastern Screech Owl. If you spend time outdoors in the early evening (just as it’s getting dark out) or in the early morning (just before the Sun comes up), listen carefully. This small bird has a very eerie call (often referred to in books as a mournful whinny), which makes it easy to imagine a ghostly spirit crying in the night. It’s quite an appropriate sound for the Halloween season.
Marlene Condon: 'The good ole days' are no trick of the mind
I was once married to a man who didn’t believe “the good ole days” ever existed. When I would comment that things really were better when I was growing up, he’d insist they weren’t. He believed people’s minds fooled them.
Nature Notes: Spotted jewelweed has benefits
My jewelweed inventory has grown every year since the first few plants were placed near my artificial pond. Now they come up on the south and east sides of my house, where they receive at least eight hours of sunshine a day. Being plants that prefer shady conditions, they appear pathetic when exposed to full sun. But in late afternoon and early evening, they appear pert and healthy.
Marlene Condon: Help wildlife. Grow autumn olive.
Before Canadians ever thought about spending winters in the Southern United States (where they were nicknamed “snowbirds” by Americans), some bird species were already traveling there — except, for them, it was out of sheer necessity. When the cold winds of autumn hint at the winter to come, these original snowbirds leave their northerly breeding grounds for places like my yard in Virginia.
Nature Notes: Jewelweed is a wildlife gem
One of the first plants I cultivated alongside one of my little artificial ponds was the Touch-me-not or Jewelweed. In nature, it’s found growing in shade by streams and in swamps, so I felt this annual native plant would be a perfect companion for my new pond. Blooming from about the middle of July into September, Jewelweed produces many orange flowers that dangle like ladies’ earrings. Each flower is shaped like a miniature cornucopia, a receptacle that resembles a curved goat’s horn.
Marlene Condon: Farm Choice Country Store is a Harrisonburg delight
Wow! Whether you have farm animals, pets, exotic animals (think llamas and alpacas) or you just want to feed our local wildlife, you’ll find a trip to the Farm Choice Country Store well worthwhile. Located on South High Street in Harrisonburg, it’s a clean and neatly kept supply store for both people and the animals they want to keep healthy. For someone such as I who enjoys feeding and watching wildlife, the number of products available as you walk inside is astonishing.
Nature Notes: Visiting the Farm Choice Country Store in Harrisonburg is a delight
Whether you have farm animals, pets or exotic animals (think llamas and alpacas), or you want to feed our local wildlife, you’ll find a trip to the Farm Choice Country Store well worthwhile. Located on South High Street in Harrisonburg, it’s a clean and well-maintained supply store for both people and the animals they want to keep healthy. For someone like me, who enjoys feeding and watching wildlife, the number of products available as you walk inside is fantastic.
Marlene Condon: Memories of a wonderful father on Father’s Day
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an interest in the natural world. My earliest memories of my maternal grandparents’ farm include a red fox in the driveway one evening when my family arrived and the plethora of wildflowers along the road as we walked to a wild blueberry patch to pick some of these fruits for breakfast. By the time I was 6 years old and had finished first grade, my family moved from the big city to a small town of only about 10,000 people.
Carolina wren
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Nature Notes: My father was like a Carolina wren - perfect
I’ve been interested in the natural world for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of my maternal grandparents’ farm include a red fox in the driveway one evening when my family arrived and the plethora of wildflowers along the road as we walked to a wild blueberry patch to pick some of these fruits for breakfast. When I was six years old and finished first grade, my family moved from the big city to a small town of only about 10,000 people.
Marlene Condon: Albemarle County should not have raised the tax rate
Many reasons could be enumerated for why the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors was wrong to raise the real estate property tax rate by 4 cents per $100 of value. Perhaps the most important objection is that many longtime residents are suffering the burden of ever-increasing real estate assessments and tax rates that accompany them. Just recently a repairman in his 20s came to my house. He told me it was his last week working for the company because he couldn’t afford to stay in this area.
Long line of cars
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Marlene Condon: Lessons from a mama raccoon for Mother's Day
My mother, who is now deceased, was always there for her children. She didn’t excuse or condone anyone’s bad behavior or the poor choices they made in life, but she didn’t nag about it and was always right there to help us when needed. Her behavior represents to me the true meaning of a mother’s love.
Raccoon
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Marlene Condon: Just say yes to No Mow May
No Mow May started as a movement in the United Kingdom (where lawns as typical landscaping originated) to get people to allow flowers to grow that could feed pollinators, such as bees. Many folks in the United States have thought it such a great idea that they are now pushing back against local “tall grass and weed” ordinances that don’t allow noncutting of lawns for a full month.
Lawn
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Nature Notes: Participate in 'No Mow May' to help pollinators
No Mow May started as a movement in the United Kingdom, where lawns as typical landscaping originated, to allow people to grow flowers that could feed pollinators, such as bees. Many folks in the United States have thought it such a great idea that they are now pushing back against local “tall grass and weed” ordinances that don’t allow non-cutting of lawns for a full month.
Marlene Condon: Learn from nature on Earth Day
I was born with a love of nature. My very earliest memories consist solely of outdoor experiences, such as seeing a red fox and nearby areas of wildflowers when visiting my grandparents’ farm, as well as finding a lovely blue robin’s egg in my yard and trying not to step on the large red and black ants traveling the city sidewalks near my home.
Leafless
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Marlene Condon: Clearing 'invasive species' is driving other species out of their homes
Imagine the public outcry if Charlottesville’s city government suddenly removed shelter and food for homeless folks, leaving them outdoors in overnight subfreezing temperatures. This scenario is exactly what happened to our resident and visiting birds at the beginning of December along the Butterfly Greenway.
Nature Notes: 'Invasives' reality check - Negative impacts on biodiversity is negligible
Before writing this article, I saw yet another discussion on social media about woods being cleared for more development. In Charlottesville and Waynesboro over the past few months, I’ve been stunned by the absolutely enormous areas of red clay made visible by bulldozers pushing down trees and other kinds of plants. And I’ve wondered how, in the face of all this destruction of natural areas, anyone believes the most pressing problem for our wildlife can be “invasive” plants.
Nature Notes: The value of 'invasive' plants
French philosopher Henri Bergson is quoted as saying, “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” In the case of “invasive” plants, most people’s minds are prepared only to see useless alien plants pushing out native plants and posing a threat to us and our native wildlife.
Nature Notes: Make Monarchs Great (in numbers) Again
MAGA — Make America Great Again — is a revived political slogan employed initially by President Ronald Reagan in 1980. Many interpretations of its message exist, but one thing is certain: Its current usage does not embody the conservation of the environment that supports us.
Marlene Condon: Make monarch butterflies great (in numbers) again
MAGA — "Make America great again" — is a revived political slogan originally employed by President Ronald Reagan in 1980. Many interpretations of its message exist, but one thing is for sure: Its current usage does not embody conservation of the environment that supports us.
Nature Notes: The great manipulation - well known scientist deceives the public
On June 8, 2011, the journal Nature published a commentary by 19 ecologists who urged conservationists to “assess organisms on environmental impact rather than on whether they are natives.” “Classifying biota [the plants and animals of a region] according to their adherence to cultural standards of belonging, citizenship, fair play and morality does not advance our understanding of ecology [the relations of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings].
Marlene Condon: Everyone should be on toddler time
Congress has tried — and plans to try again — to abolish the annoying twice-a-year ritual of changing clocks by placing the United States permanently on daylight saving time. But before making this extremely impactful decision, our representatives need to first consult our little people — those who don’t suffer from government foolishness and clocks, and know naturally when to wake up — our toddlers who function on toddler time (i.e., standard time).
Marlene Condon: An 'invasive' species reality check
Before writing this column, I saw yet another discussion on social media about woods being cleared for more development. In Charlottesville and Waynesboro over the past few months, I’ve been stunned by the absolutely enormous areas of red clay made visible by bulldozers pushing down trees and other kinds of plants. And I’ve wondered how, in the face of all this destruction of natural areas, does anyone believe the most pressing problem for our wildlife can possibly be “invasive” plants?
Nature Notes: Crows have it easy in Virginia
In Part One of “Sentinel Crows” (published last month on Feb. 4), I discussed the lone crow perched near my yard early every morning to see when I put bird seed out. That sentinel crow would then fly away to gather the rest of its flock to bring them back for breakfast. Because they are omnivorous — they will eat just about anything — corvids (crows, jays, and magpies) prey upon live animals, scavenge dead ones, and devour seeds and seedlings of many different plants.
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