Take 5: Winterberry Holly

When the leaves have fallen and the landscape looks drab, winterberry holly provides a splash of color. Unlike the familiar American holly, this plant loses its leaves in the fall, which makes the berries stand out even more. Only the female plants make fruit, and they’re much-needed winter fuel for mammals and birds. Enjoy these festive winterberry holly photos from past editions of our Photo Contest.

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Andy Eckerson

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Andy Eckerson

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Michael Neufeld

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Michael Neufeld

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Elizabeth Page Purington

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Elizabeth Page Purington

2015 Photo Contest Entry © Amber Murphy

2015 Photo Contest Entry © Amber Murphy

Liz Pichette 2012

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Liz Pichette

View the winners of the 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest here.

Where in Mass Audubon Are We Now

In each issue of Explorations, Mass Audubon’s bi-monthly enewsletter, we share a photograph taken at one of our wildlife sanctuaries along with a hint. Can you identify where it was taken?

WhereAreWEDec2015

Along the 12 miles of trails at this wildlife sanctuary, you can traverse over stone bridges, proceed through a boulder tunnel, and watch for beavers and muskrats emerging from the river that runs through the property. Those looking for a unique, after-dark experience can spend the night in a small rustic cabin.

Email your guess by January 15 and you could win a pocket field guide.