General
Brought to the web by an interesting consortium of individuals interested in the topic, Palaeos simply states that it is "dedicated to providing detailed information on the history of life on Earth." And it does just that. With subtopics such as Palaeontology, Evolution, Geochronology, Systematics and Phylogeny, and more, the site offers a trove of information about...the history of life on earth. While much of the site actually serves as more of portal to other web-related resources, it certainly offers a great amount of information in an organized fashion for those interested in the subject. There's a comprehensive list of related texts as well a detailed biography section of the site's creators. [JPM]
http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/russia/welcome.shtml
Authored by Tatyana Shulkina -- the former curator of living plant collections at the Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia -- of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this site offers an exceptional look at the flora of Russia and the states representing the former Soviet Union. With incredible organization and phenomenal photos, the site is a great resource for those interested in the botany of the world. Sections of the site include: Ornamental Plants in their Natural Habitats, Ornamental Plants of Horticultural Value, Russian Landscaping Style, and more. Each area of the site includes a detailed look at the plants found there as well as a discussion of their uses. [JPM]
Brought to you by Greg Gothard, a birding enthusiast from California, this website offers an incredible array of information about and photos of birds of prey. The sections of the site include: Eagles, Soaring Hawks, Forest Hawks, Falcons, Osprey, Harrier, White-tailed Kite, Owls, Turkey Vulture, and more. There is a Glossary and Identification Help section, too, to help those in need of more information about birds of prey or help with identifying one. The Links area leads to all sorts of raptor-related websites and the Questions section allows you to ask Greg a question directly. [JPM]
http://www.wildlifeforever.net/index.htm
Created by Paula Graham, the Wildlifeforever website depicts her own several-year project to restore three acres to its prairie and wildflower roots. "Our gardens have become the chief refuge for the wildlife that can adapt. Owls, foxes and even badgers have moved into the towns. It is up to us to provide them with their basic needs. Anyone with a garden, a field or an orchard, however large or small, can come to the rescue by caring for it in a wildlife-friendly way," says Graham. At the site, visitors can check out the Food, Water, Shelter, Meadow, and Feeding sections. At the Feeding section, Graham even reflects on why she has moved away from artificial feeding as her more natural restoration areas have flourished. In all, this is a very interesting site for those considering a similar project with several acres or those with a small urban yard who are considering gardening for wildlife. [JPM]
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu:8080/actkey/index.jsp
Provided by the Harvard University Herbarium, ActKey allows visitors to locate and use a key for identifying an unknown specimen. As is noted on the site, "ActKey was developed to enable ready-access to on-line interactive keys. The program is web-based. Common Internet browsers may be used to access the interface." Thus, by visiting the site, users can choose from over five pages of keys, ranging from Aceraceae to Urticaceae. Once at a key, the user is queried for information such as: habit, stems, leaves, stipules, petiole, leaf blade, and more. In the end, you will hopefully have pinned down your specimen to a specific species. Definitely a great site for the recreational botanist, students, and researchers. [JPM]
The New England Herpetological Society (NEHS) provides this site as part of its mission to teach people about herpetology while promoting conservation and preservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats. At the site, visitors will find a great image gallery, information on upcoming events, information on how to become a member, the projects of the NEHS, herp-related links, and lots more. Also interesting is the Animal Adoption page that seeks to help those trying to get rid of a reptile or amphibian find someone who is looking for one. [JPM]
