Mid summer is the time to enjoy the prairie remnants we have in the area. Although it is past midsummer, there is still much to see.
This past weekend the Sydenham Field Naturalists were treated to a guided tour on Walpole and Squirrel Islands west of Wallaceburg. The only chance to see these prairies on Walpole is by special arrangement.
We checked a spot on Squirrel Island where Pink Milkwort was flowering. It is a rather rare plant with tiny deep pink flowers. Among the Big Bluestem were lots of Dense or Spiked Blazing Star plants. There a number of blazing star species, but this is the most common. Also seen were Stiff Goldenrod plants.
This particular site has lost quite a bit of turf due to erosion into the St. Clair River. It was noted that video footage of Small White Lady's Slippers was taken and showed them actually washing into the St. Clair River.
At the north end of Walpole, we looked at Rough Blazing Star, Coreopsis, Prairie Dock, etc. 
The Showy Goldenrod plants were observed, but they bloom in late summer.
The Showy Goldenrod plants were observed, but they bloom in late summer.A few photos accompany this post. (Not all on Walpole).
SPIKED BLAZING STAR (top two photos) and ROUGH BLAZING STAR (below)
No comments:
Post a Comment