soft mast

It’s the Berries! Bluff Lands’ Critters Depend on ‘Em

December 3, 2010 clifftop CliffNotes

Cedar waxwing, T. Spivey

Now that cold winter has gripped our bluff lands, many natural sources of animal wildlife foodstuffs are becoming depleted. While “hard mast” oak acorns and hickory nuts strew our forest floor, they will begin to decompose in the winter’s duff. Our grasses and forbs, both important animal food sources, have died back. Crops, which help […]

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Natural History in Monroe St. Clair and Randolph Counties Illinoissoft mastwildlife food

Trees and the Structure of Life…The Understory

November 7, 2007 clifftop CliffNotes

As the dominant trees of our bluffs shine in autumn’s sun, creating a glowing tapestry of color, they also provide a rich food source for wildlife.  Mast is the broad term for various nuts and fruits produced by trees and shrubs.  There are two kinds: hard mast and soft mast; both are crucial in sustaining […]

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Natural History in Monroe St. Clair and Randolph Counties Illinoispersimmonspoison ivysoft mastwildlife food

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