Helen McGranahan
By being raised on a Century Farm in north Central Oregon, I guess the infatuation for plants and animals I had at an early age came naturally. As far as my passion for writing, being the introverted personality type that I am makes me much more adept at expressing my ideas through writing than by doing a lot of talking.
Most of my career up to now has been working for various Federal agencies that manage natural resources, primarily in the specialties of botany and range/grazing management. Through the years I’ve written many environmental documents and reports related to plant and animal life. I enjoy doing the research and the science part of that kind of writing, but the actual writing itself never allows much imagination or creative thought, and the author generally doesn’t get direct credit for their work.
I am very familiar with the plants and landscapes that occur across much of Oregon, and since moving to South Dakota in 2002, I have been busy familiarizing myself with the habitats of the Black Hills, Bear Lodge Mountains, and the Upper Great Plains. I am currently employed as a seasonal field botanist for the Forest Service.
I also am a Master Gardener and have written some articles for local papers and publications, but am looking forward to having a wider audience in the future.
My scope of interests is fairly wide, including plant ecology, gardening, general biology, sustainable agriculture, cooking, human and animal nutrition, history, horses, dogs, cats or just about any other kind of animal, fishing, natural medicine, photography, and travel.
Latest Articles
|
Having Great Horned Owls As Neighbors
Sometimes great horned owls will nest near buildings they think are abandoned, but what happens if the building isn't totally free of human use?
May 14, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Working Retrievers: Hunt Tests vs. Field Trials
People who are not involved with retrieving dogs often ask what the difference is between hunt tests and field trials. Here is the basic answer.
Apr 17, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Mother Nature's Aid to Ailing Forests
Fire, insects, and disease in forests have long been feared by humans. Another way to look at them is that they are the natural response to our mistakes.
Mar 22, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Railroad Gardens: A Hobby For the Entire Family
Indoor model railways have been a popular hobby for a long time, but more recently railroaders have upped the challenge by moving outdoors into the garden.
Mar 4, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
How Plants Defend Themselves from Predators
What is a plant to do when threatened by predators? They can't run like animals do, but most have developed their own stay-in-place defenses.
Feb 17, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Springtime in Semi-Arid Landscapes
Semi-arid landscapes in the American West have sometimes been referred to as botanical deserts. This is not so, particularly in the springtime.
Jan 31, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Spectator's Guide to Sheep Dog Trials
Witnessing a sheep dog competition can be an exciting and thrilling experience, even more so if you understand the course and know the rules.
Jan 17, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Medusahead Under Fire
Medusahead is an exotic grass that has taken over large swaths of rangeland in the American West. Learn what is known about it and how fire affects it.
Jan 9, 2012
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Dual Career Couples in Natural Resources
Working in the world of Natural Resources can be an idyllic career for both men and women who love the outdoors, but what happens when they marry?
Dec 30, 2011
- Helen McGranahan
|
|
Those Magical Mystical Moonworts
Moonworts are tiny plants that were first discovered and documented centuries ago. However, the majority of modern humanity doesn't even know they exist!
Dec 9, 2011
- Helen McGranahan
|
