Do you know... nature depends on various keystone species to survive and thrive?
That's right, and the wolf is one of these critical keystone creatures. Like a keystone holds up an arch, wolves help maintain ecosystems. By regulating prey populations, wolves enable many other plants and animals to flourish. They initiate a domino effect and support natural levels of biodiversity. However, the wolf is in danger and it's never been more urgent than right now to stand up and defend the mighty wolf. In my latest episode of "The Martha Stewart Podcast", which you can listen to today on the iHeart Media App or wherever you get your podcasts, I talk to Samantha Attwood, Co-Founding Member of the #RelistWolves Campaign, a coalition made up of dedicated conservationists, wildlife advocates, and scientists committed to raising public awareness about wolves and advocating to restore Gray wolves to the Endangered Species List, and Maggie Howell, Executive Director of the Wolf Conservation Center in nearby South Salem, New York. We discuss wolves, what is happening to them, and why it is so important to help protect them.
Here are some beautiful photos of the Gray wolf, enjoy.
The Gray wolf, canis lupus, can be found in North America, Europe and Asia. The wide range of habitats in which wolves can thrive includes temperate forests, mountains, tundra, taiga, grasslands and deserts. Their adaptability has allowed them to survive wherever they can find food. (Photo by Grant T. Johnson)
However, wolves are now at risk with states in the Northern Rockies encouraging the hunting of up to 90-percent of the region’s wolf population. Numbers are dwindling and these beautiful animals need help. (Photo by Bohemian Lights Photography)
Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have passed laws allowing hunters to kill their state’s wolves, blaming them for attacking livestock, even though wolves are responsible for less than one-percent of unwanted livestock deaths. (Photo by Grant T. Johnson)
Wolves look like large shepherd dogs. Wolves vary in size depending on where they live. Wolves in the north are usually larger than those in the south. The average size of a wolf’s body is three to five feet long and their tails are usually one to two feet long. Females typically weigh 60 to 100 pounds, and males weigh 70 to 120 pounds. (Photo by Candace Dyar)
Wolves live in packs. Most packs have four to nine members, but the size can range from as few as two wolves up to as many as 15. Occasionally a pack can increase to 30 members, until some individuals break off to start their own pack. (Photo by Jake Davis)
The Gray wolf’s coat color is typically a mix of gray and brown, but can vary from solid white to brown or even black. (Photo by Larry Taylor)
In the wild, wolves live an average of five or six years, sometimes more. In captivity, they can live upward of 15 years. (Photo provided by Wolf Conservation Center)
Wolves typically mate for life. In the northern United States, they breed from late January through March. Wolves are pregnant for about 63 days and usually birth four to six pups. (Photo provided by Wolf Conservation Center)
As highly social animals, wolves live in structured family units called packs. Every pack is unique, but most consist of a breeding pair and their offspring of varying ages. Historically, people have referred to the pack’s leaders as the alpha male and alpha female. While “alpha” is still widely used, the scientific community prefers to identify the pack’s parents as the breeding pair or simply as the parents. (Photo by Larry Taylor)
If and when the young adults reach the age of three years, they can either join the pack or leave to find their own territory. (Photo by Jake Davis)
In this photo, the photographer captured a pack of wolves in Yellowstone National Park and followed the tracks for nearly 12 miles, until they split off in a canyon. Within 30 minutes the whole pack appeared on the river – 16 of them. (Photo by Jake Davis)
Wolves are carnivores—they prefer to eat hoofed mammals such as deer, elk, bison, and moose. They also hunt smaller mammals such as beavers, rodents, and hares. Adults can eat 20 pounds of meat in a single meal. (Photo by Larry Taylor)
At one time Gray wolves had the largest natural ranges of any terrestrial mammal in the northern hemisphere. Today, there are only about 6000 left in the contiguous United States. (Photo by Grant T. Johnson)
“Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. Gray wolves are indeed endangered. (Photo by Josh Shandera)
Here are two stunning Gray wolves hiding in the brush, guarding each other, or a litter. (Photo provided by Wolf Conservation Center)
Do you know what a wolf’s howl sounds like? Listen to my podcast and find out. We all learned how to howl like the wolves. (Photo by Candace Dyar)
To help raise awareness, one can write letters, post on social media, talk about it – the goal of the #RelistWolves Campaign is to restore all Gray wolves to the Endangered Species List so they are protected and saved. (Photo by Bohemian Lights Photography)
Here I am with Maggie Howell, Samantha Attwood, and Leslie Williams, who is Samantha’s mother, and also a co-founding member of the #RelistWolves Campaign. Please listen to my podcast on wolves right now and help save these gorgeous creatures. It’s available on the iHeart Media App, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
I hope you had a lovely holiday. I wish you all a wonderful 2023. Here's a blog that was originally posted on January 08, 2021. It ends this look back at some of our favorite entries, enjoy.
A brief trip south to escape the cold winter can be so invigorating.
If you follow my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48, you may have seen photos from my recent holiday trip to Palm Beach, Florida. I was joined by my daughter Alexis, my grandchildren Jude and Truman, and our dear friend, Ari Katz. We spent most of our brief stay swimming and relaxing on the beach or by the pool, enjoying water sports, visiting a few shops around town, knitting, and watching movies - all done safely while adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines.
Here are a few photos from our trip, enjoy.
My family and I always try to do something special during the holidays – my grandchildren love the water, so we often go somewhere warm. Of course, one of the first things we did was spend some time by the pool. My daughter Alexis took this photo of Jude, Truman and our friend, Ari.
I love to knit and crochet. It is very relaxing. I find knitting a little faster for me. Here is part of my latest project. I am knitting four blue hats for two sets of twins boys.
We also spent time on the beach. It was windy, but that didn’t stop Ari, Jude, and Truman from heading toward the water.
Here is Jude trying to teach Ari how to do a front walkover flip.
Making shadows seemed a bit easier.
Jude loves to collect shells. Here are some of the shells she gathered – she picked out her favorites and then returned the rest to the beach later.
Organization is key – Jude sorted all the shells before selecting those she wanted to keep.
Jude wanted to make necklaces – here is one of her favorites.
During one outing, Alexis and Ari visited Brenda’s Birds in Delray Beach. Ari is a young and passionate avian enthusiast – he has many pet birds at home. All the birds seemed to know he was friendly.
These macaws and cockatoos wanted to perch on Ari’s shoulder.
Here’s Alexis with a Moluccan cockatoo. Also called the salmon-crested cockatoo, the Moluccan is endemic to the Seram archipelago in eastern Indonesia. It is among the largest of the white cockatoos and very smart.
We also stopped at Casa Gusto, a new company of antiques, objects, and artworks on Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach. This is a Rococo 10-drawer cabinet, circa 1760. It stands 85-inches tall by 48-inches wide.
Some of the art work at Casa Gusto includes these papier-collage paintings by artist Catharine Warren.
Catharine is best known for her landscape-inspired abstract works and use of vibrant colors.
This is one of a pair of 1880 English George II style wingback sofas covered in Rodgers & Goffingon velvet upholstery.
I spotted another nice sofa. Here is one of a pair of 1930s northern canapés. A canapé is a piece of furniture similar to a couch, and is meant to describe an elegant sofa made out of elaborately carved wood with wooden legs, and upholstered seats, back, and armrests. Canapés emerged from France in the 18th century.
Here is the other. I admired the clean architectural lines.
Along another wall, a set of of six 18th century French dining chairs. The style is transitional – between Louis XV and XVI. Above the chairs – 18th century Granada Lebrillo Gigante bowls and plates – Spanish Lebrillo earthenware, made of hand crafted terra cotta, originating from Granada, Spain.
We ate in the French bistro, La Goulue. I chose this delicious green salad.
Among the desserts we also tried was this creme brulee – a bourbon vanilla custard with brown sugar crust, topped with mint and a strawberry.
And look at these profiteroles – vanilla puffs served with warm chocolate sauce and toasted almonds. Everything was so delicious.
My good friend, entertainment banker and entrepreneur, Lisbeth Barron, made sure we had lots to do while we were in the area. She helped arrange some outdoor sports for Alexis, Ari and the children. Coordinated through VisitPalmBeach.com, on this day the four went kayaking in the intracoastal.
The four had a lovely time – they did quite well navigating through the wind and waters. In all, it was a safe and enjoyable few days away with my family – the best Christmas gift ever. Please go to my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48 for more photos from my trip and a video of Alexis, Ari, Jude, and Truman paddling!
And here are more fun photos from that memorable holiday party in 2017. It was originally posted on December 22nd of that year.
It makes me so happy to hear how much you’ve enjoyed these holiday party blogs.
My recent gathering was a huge success - delicious food, beautiful decorations and quality time spent with friends and family. Here are more photos from the festive evening, including some with my special guest, Santa Claus.
The party was scheduled from 3pm to 5pm in the evening. Everyone was very punctual.
We put this tree out on my terrace parterre – one of a handful of real trees we used this year. I never like to cut down trees, but this was the top of one tree that needed some good pruning.
Coat racks were placed on my large porch, so guests could remove their coats and shoes at the door.
Here are some guests in my Brown Room enjoying eggnog, hors d’oeuvres and good conversation. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Creme Brûlée didn’t seem to mind all the noise at all. Here she is in her Christmas red.
Here is the gorgeous Buche de Noel we made – brought inside and ready to serve. Everyone loved it. Buche de Noel is made of sponge cake to resemble a miniature actual Yule log – it is a form of sweet roulade, and so delicious. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Chef Pierre Schaedelin from PS Tailored Events and his talented team did such a wonderful job preparing the dishes. Here he is making red caviar appetizers. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
There were selfies being taken in every room. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Outside, my driver, Carlos, helped bring guests from their cars to my house.
My friend, Jim Klinko, gifted me this beautiful 18th-century planter – I think it will look perfect up at Skylands, my home in Maine.
And here he is, the jolly ol’ man himself – Santa Claus.
Everyone loved the oysters from Norm Bloom – we ordered 400 delicious oysters, served on the half shell with cocktail sauce and mignonette. http://www.coppsislandoysters.com (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Here is my gorgeous Empress Qin looking up at Kevin as he captures this quick snapshot.
We also had four wonderful carolers singing on the terrace parterre.
Santa wished everyone a Merry Christmas as they walked from house to house.
My property director, Fred Jacobsen, and some of my outdoor grounds crew – Chhewang, Chhiring, Pemba, and Phurba – took this nice photo with Santa.
Here is Santa with the daughters of my nephew, Morgan – Beatrix and Kit.
My driver, Rock Pereira, and Heather Kirkland, who is in charge of all these special events, posed for this photo.
Here are my friends, Laura Blau, and her husband, Michael Citro.
Here are Carlos and Wilmer.
This is our head of programming and development, Kim Miller-Olko, and her family.
Churchill is Susan Magrino’s miniature poodle – he’s pictured here with Susan’s driver, Laurentius Surca, and of course, Santa.
Here’s my friend, Muffin Dowdle, aboard the sleigh with Santa.
And, here’s Terre Blair and Melinda Shea.
Allyn Magrino also took a fun photo with Santa Claus.
Shqipe and Ryan stood nearby for their photo with Mr. Claus.
On Santa’s left is Dr. Pedda Reddy – he is a very passionate peafowl breeder and has given me several beautiful peacocks and peahens. He attended the party with his lovely wife, Leela, and their son.
Dawa, who is in charge of caring for all my outdoor birds, brought up the day’s chicken eggs and took this quick photo with Santa.
My special eggnog, made with rum, bourbon, cognac, and whipped cream folded in, was very popular. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Here is my kitchen – bustling with guests having a great time and enjoying all the delicious food. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
Kevin, and my friend, Richard Christiansen, joined me for this photo. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
And here I am with Santa – I hope you all have a very special holiday with you and your families.
Everyone had such a great time at the party. Over the next week, I will share some of our best holiday blog memories from years past. (Photo by Peter T. Michaelis)
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