A Tale of Two Lantana Flowers: Landour, Mussoorie

Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Landour, Mussoorie lies the abode of different species of flowering as well as non flowering plants. Among them, that blooms with vibrant colors is the Lantana flower. This picturesque hill station is home to not one, but two varieties of Lantana flowers, each with its own unique charm andContinue reading “A Tale of Two Lantana Flowers: Landour, Mussoorie”

“Nature’s story: Discovering the seasons through Phenology Walks with Children”

Nature is an ever-changing landscape, and observing these changes can be a magical experience for children as well as for adults. The forests and wilderness are perfect examples which reflect unity in diversity. The tall trees, herbs, shrubs, birds, insects, animals and microorganisms despite being different from one another, passively engage with one another toContinue reading ““Nature’s story: Discovering the seasons through Phenology Walks with Children””

Nature shelters: Different species of Ferns on same Oak tree

While hiking in the woods today, I came across this big Oak tree. It was fascinating to observe two different species of ferns growing over moss covered bark. They were growing on the same aspect of the tree bole. The ferns were growing alongside each other but they respected each other’s boundaries. This is theContinue reading “Nature shelters: Different species of Ferns on same Oak tree”

Fairy Cup Mushrooms in the hillside of Landour, Mussoorie : Forestry for kids

After consecutive days of heavy rainfall, the bright sunny days in the hillside of Landour have finally arrived. This year extended rainy days were experienced otherwise October is usually the most adored months in the hillside. So, we decided to go for a brisk nature walk in the vicinity along with the children. Children wereContinue reading “Fairy Cup Mushrooms in the hillside of Landour, Mussoorie : Forestry for kids”

Wild mushrooms of Landour, Mussoorie

Autumn season has arrived on the hillside of Landour, Mussoorie as the ferns have started to turn yellowish brown. But the forest floor is still under the spell of monsoon magic as diverse mushrooms are still springing up through the forest floors. Everyday I come across these mushrooms of different, shapes, sizes and colours. SomeContinue reading “Wild mushrooms of Landour, Mussoorie”

Monsoon blooms in the hillside: Landour, Mussoorie

With changing seasons in the hillside, the colour palette on the hill slopes also changes. It feels as if, with each changing season, nature changes its wardrobe. During the monsoons it is mostly pink, mauve, yellows and greens. While passing through the woods, I could see the graceful and tender Begonias have started blossoming. TheyContinue reading “Monsoon blooms in the hillside: Landour, Mussoorie”

Forestry for kids: leaf prints by preschoolers

It’s a fascinating experience to familiarise little children with their surrounding trees, forests and nature. Their curious and eager minds, eager to explore the unknown, motivates them to touch, feel and sense their basic surroundings. Little children are observant and look closely at the objects of interest, be it a little lady bug inside aContinue reading “Forestry for kids: leaf prints by preschoolers”

Forestry for kids: Saving Deodar and Oak forest from invasive vines

Vines and climbers are certain plant species which climb by tendrils or hooks or aerial roots or twining or creeps on the ground. Besides being ornamental, these vines are a component of the biodiversity and help sequester Carbon. But it is observed that few of the climbers, act as semi-parasites on the plants they clingContinue reading “Forestry for kids: Saving Deodar and Oak forest from invasive vines”

Parody of Indian Mock Strawberry : Potentilla indica

Few days back while I was travelling from Landour to Dehradun and came across Indian Mock Strawberry spread along the lush green hill slopes. Earlier this area was covered with little yellow flowers all over but now the flowers have disappeared and little false strawberries have spanned across. Initially they appeared as if someone hasContinue reading “Parody of Indian Mock Strawberry : Potentilla indica”

Forest trails and untold stories: Mansur shrub, Landour, Mussoorie

Every step I take towards exploring the wilderness in the nature and forest, fills me with enchantment to ken many unfolded stories. Each rock, each pebble, each flower, each plant and their association with different life forms must have a distinct story to tell. Stories which will never be heard of, some lost stories andContinue reading “Forest trails and untold stories: Mansur shrub, Landour, Mussoorie”