TRR photo by Sandy Long Placed side by side, it is fairly easy to tell goldenrod, left, and ragweed apart. In addition to the showy yellow flowers, our region’s most common goldenrod species typically sport lance-shaped leaves, center top. Ragweed leaves are jagged and highly dissected; its flowers are an inconspicuous green atop erect spikes. The drab flowers fail to attract insects; thus, the plant is pollinated by wind.

Goldenrod and ragweed

If you are one of the estimated 36 million Americans allergic to ragweed pollen, chances are good that lately you are sniffling, sneezing and suffering from watery eyes and an itchy sensation in the back of your throat. It is also likely that through the bleary haze of ragweed season, you have looked about at the gorgeous yellow blooms of goldenrod and mistakenly attributed your symptoms to this eye-catching beauty waving its brilliant floral flags from roadsides, meadows and yards.

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Winners announced in My Catskills Garden contest

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PEEC Volunteer Day

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA—On Sunday, September 27, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will hold Volunteer Day from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. PEEC has several projects to complete and seeks hardworking individuals of all skills and abilities. Projects include painting, gardening and cleaning. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Light snacks will be served during the event.

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Also in this issue:

• Autumn bird walk