Grumpy Old Ganz

The Little Things In Life

While undertaking the tedious task of moving my woodpile thanks to “Chuck”, which I wrote about in a past week’s column, I started seeing a pattern develop and decided to do a little research. I was assuming I had unearthed something called a “microenvironment”. That term had a broader definition, which included biology, ecology, business and even global. What I should have researched was “microhabitat”.

Generally speaking in relation to ecology, the term “habitat” summarizes the array of resources, physical and other factors that are present in an area to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species. Making “habitat” a more species-specific term.

Some physical factors may include soil, moisture, range of temperature and light intensity. Other factors include the availability of food and the presence or absence of predators.

Having two different piles of wood, I found only the pine had the critters I’m about to describe to you, while the oak pile habitat did not harbor anything of the sort. Curious about what I found?

Starting from the top of the woodpile, the first two feet had nothing but snakes with every armful, slithering off or across my arms. The next foot produced spiders, some I’ve never seen before with such vast color variations and sizes. From there came various types of frogs and toads, along with grub worms and beetles.

As I gained access to some of “Chuck’s” bunkers, I saw a large, pretty, jet-black frog with bright ruby red teardrop shapes behind the eyes. Picking it up, it filled the palm of my hand while cupping it. The frog was similar in size to a baseball. I took a picture and headed to the internet to check out this rare-looking creature.

Regardless of how narrow or broad the parameters in my research, I found no decisive answer or conclusion. This microenvironment/microhabitat ended up being just a really interesting find.

I have spent many years exploring and working in the woods, but I’ve never seen such diversity in so small of an area.

This whole experience reminded me of how important paying attention to the little things in life really is.