Field Notes

ONE PART FIELD JOURNAL + ONE PART AWE - THE STUFF THAT DRIVES our PRACTICE

Cornelius Murphy 9/20/26 Cornelius Murphy 9/20/26

26 Septmeber 16

Easily one of the showiest wildflowers, New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a hallmark plant of late season pollinators. Found three monarchs feeding late day, one quick stop as part of their epic journey south…jealous.

Cornelius Murphy 9/12/26 Cornelius Murphy 9/12/26

26 September 10

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) pruned heavily around a grafted apple, likely too late but playing with best times and ways. Tried two different methods - top heavy shape by starting cuts low and working up and topping (or a crude version of pollarding) to chest height.