Flowering goldenrods tell us that summer is nearing an end. They will provide a pollen source for bees into autumn. Black cherry fruits and wild grapes are very ripe. These will be gathered by an array of birds, raccoons and other mammals. A close inspection of milkweed leaves may reveal a milkweed tussock caterpillar, swamp milkweed leaf beetle or dogbane leaf beetle. Monarch caterpillars are getting large feeding off milkweed as well. Monarch caterpillars will soon form a chrysalis and upon emergence they will make the long migration south. Ladybird beetles are beginning to appear and feed on aphids which may be found on common milkweed plants. Virginia creeper and some red maples are already beginning to show a slight reddish hue in their leaves. Chicken mushrooms are growing from logs after some of our recent rains. Don’t be surprised if a meadowhawk dragonfly lands on you while you walk the trails. Don’t worry, dragonflies won’t bite or sting, they are just looking for a sunny perch. Black walnuts are becoming very large. Watch for red and gray squirrels collecting and storing these nuts for winter.