Species of the Month

Cross Orbweaver

Fall is a big time for spiders. Most mature in late summer, then mate, lay their eggs, and die.The cross orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) is one of our most common spiders, responsible for most webs you walk into on the trails. Despite being so commonplace, cross orbweavers exhibit some remarkable behaviors...

• Cross orbweavers spin classic orb-webs to capture flying insects.
• Webs are then rolled into a ball and consumed by the spider, who then recycles the silk for the next web!
• Females spin webs their whole lives, but males tend to spin webs until maturity and then wander in search of females.
• Cross orbweavers are orange and brown with a dark, pyramid shape containing white dots and lines in the shape of a cross on their dorsal abdomen, hence their common name.
• They're also known as the pumpkin spider for their round abdomens and orange color.
• These spiders will also prey on each other, typically before, during, or after mating.
• When disturbed, cross orbweavers respond by vibrating rapidly in their webs to become a blur. It is thought this behavior is intended to confuse potential predators.
• Cross orbweavers have very limited eyesight, they rely primarily on tactile input.
• Cross orbweavers use their web as an acoustic antennae, essentially the structure of the web functions similarly to an ear drum, allowing these spiders to hear and respond to sounds they wouldn't otherwise be able to hear.
• Despite their spookiness, cross orbweavers are reclusive and only bite humans when provoked.
• Next time you see a classic spiral-wheel shaped web, see if you can spot a cross orbweaver awaiting prey, reacting to the sound of your approach, or vibrating away!

Photo by Thomas Barbin

Enter the Scarecrow Contest

• The Scarecrows are Do-It-Yourself and must be kid-friendly. This is a public event and any entry that is deemed offensive, inappropriate, religious, or political will not be permitted.
• Themes are as follows:
• Laughing Stalk (Funniest)
• Strawful Sight (Scariest)
• Hanging with the ghoul kids (Youth ages 12 and under)
• Out-standing-in-its-field (Best overall)
• We are happy to provide you with hay.
• Set up the Saturday before the festival (October 25th) bring your scarecrow to the Arboretum from 10am-1pm. Set them on designated posts in "scarecrow alley" (the lawn area behind the Pavilion).
• Day-of the festival: your scarecrows should already be set up and viewable to Festival attendees who will vote throughout the day. The winners of the contest will be announced during the Festival as well as emailed and called the week after for prize pick up!

To enter, email education@mountpisgaharboretum.org with your name(s), email address, and phone number.

Remember: have a gourd time! 

Upcoming Nature Tours

All guided tours start at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Education Building. Pre-registration is required. Members and kids under 4 are FREE, Non-Members $5 per person.

Oak Gall Tour

Sunday, October 5th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Among the branches and leaves of our oaks exists a complex and bizarre world that is easy to overlook. Join the Arboretum's environmental educator, Kevin House, for an exploration of galls and the organisms that induce them.

Spider Spotting: Family Tour

Saturday, October 11th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Spider Spotting: What eight legs, many eyes, and a knack for catching flies?- it must be our friend the Spider! Together we will scout the Arboretum for signs of various spider species, and make a spider-inspired craft! Framed for kids & their chaperones. 

October Bird Tour

Sunday, October 12th 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Join Mieko Aoki and Julia Siporin for another monthly bird outing intended for people with all levels of birding experience. We’ll use vocalizations, habitat, and behavior clues for identification of our year-round residents and fall migrants.

Upcoming Work Parties

Become a steward of the Arboretum by helping us improve and maintain our facilities and habitat during our Work Parties! 

During Work Parties, volunteers help us keep our trails, facilities, and park clean, accessible, and beautiful! No experience is required to volunteer on these days, and we will provide tools, gloves, and a parking pass. 

All work parties meet at the bottom of the parking lot near the shop (just past the bright orange trailer). 

Water Garden Trail Resurfacing

Saturday, October 11th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us in resurfacing our trails, we will be moving gravel and brushing trail edges.

Get Involved

Want to make a difference in other ways? We are always looking for nature guides, trail stewards, park ambassador volunteers, and many other roles. Let's talk about how you can get involved with the Arboretum.

Learn more about some of the opportunities here.