A Day in the Life…Part 26

Posted on June 27, 2015 by

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The lead story is still the native rhododendron. The picture above is just steps away from the nature center back by the old guest cabin. Lots of flowers in full bloom, but still more to come. This appears to be a particularly good year and the recent cooler weather has helped to preserve the blooms for a longer time. They also seem to be holding up quite well in spite of all the rains….and we have gotten a lot!

The borders of Lake Odonata are now ringed with Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus) an emergent aquatic plant. The common name comes from the long curving white flower that to someone resembled a lizard’s tail.
The young Canada geese now resemble their parents more and more each day. Above, the three young are flanked by the parents.
The Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is blooming and attracting many butterflies and other insects as well. The flowers offer a somewhat lilac scent to passersby. 
Another wonderful butterfly plant are the Monardas. Above is Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).
Below is the brilliant  Bee Balm or Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma). 
 The genus name of these members of the Mint Family honors Nicolas Monardes, an early 16 century physician and botanist. The other common name ” Bergamot” is derived from the town of Bergamo in Italy.  Some of the species, like Bee Balm, are considered “garden escapees”. I always envision a moonlit night with the garden gate left partial open…and all the cultivars running for their lives! 
So keep those gates tightly latched.
Posted by Tom

Rhododendron Update

Posted on June 24, 2015 by

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We promised an update, and here it is… The native Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is now in peak bloom. Bloom time will probably last for at least another week, depending on the weather. 
The bursting flower bud, seen below, typically goes under appreciated but it rivals the flower in beauty. 

A Day in the Life…Part 25

Posted on June 19, 2015 by

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It’s true….life really is like a box of chocolates…you never known what you’re gone a get.
This morning, this is the scene that greeted me right outside the nature center. The young deer seemed to be puzzling over what these odd grass eater were doing in his territory.
It had been a very rainy week with strong wind gusts causing tree damage in several locations. The picture below of the Cherry tree with Pileated Woodpecker holes first appeared in an April post.
That same tree now looks like the picture below.

The interior of the tree is riddled with carpenter ant galleries-no doubt what the woodpecker was after. The insect damage, along with the woodpecker excavations, doomed this tree. And of course, it fell directly across one of the trails.
On the way back from clearing the trail, I spotted the terrestrial snail seen below. It was happily resting on a moist Christmas fern frond. The snails and slugs have certainly been enjoying the wet weather even if the rest of us are not!

A very unusual flower is now in bloom in many locations along the trails. It is the Indian
 Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) also known as Corpse Plant. This plant has no chlorophyll for converting sunlight energy into food. Instead it get it’s food energy from decomposing organic material in the soil. Plants that obtain energy in such a way are known as saprophytes
For several weeks now we have been getting inquiries about when the native rhododendron will be in bloom. People often think it blooms earlier when all the cultivars are flowering in May. The native species – the Great Laurel or Rosebay (Rhododendron maximum) is now beginning to bloom. 
Some of the flower buds are still tightly closed.
While others are beginning to show pinkish flower tips.
The next stage shows more of the white blossoms emerging.
And then finally the flower begins to burst into almost full bloom as seen below.


But don’t come rushing out to see it right away. The shrubs will not be at peak blooming until next weekend. Remember….this is just the beginning. With favorable weather conditions, it should be good for the next two weeks. It is blooming a little early this year, but that could be contributed to the hot weather and recent rains.
We will continue to post blooming progress here on the blog and on the Wahkeena Facebook page as well.
Posted by Tom

A Day in the Life…Part 24

Posted on June 14, 2015 by

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It has been another busy week in and around the preserve. Time has been split at Wahkeena, Rock Mill, Camp Oty Okwa and points in between. Programs for OAGC’s Nature Study Camp and the Educator’s Week has kept all of the Wahkeena staff hopping. But here’s a little bit of what is happening at the preserve.

 The Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) seen above, is now a prominent flowering shrub in the landscape at Wahkeena. Next time you see Elderberry, take a closer look at the flowers and  you will see that they are teeming with insect life- beetles, flies, bees and wasps. The large umbels of white flowers will later be replaced by clusters of dark berries- a feast for man and beast.

A new plant discovery was recently made at Wahkeena. A small population of Netted Chain fern (Woodwardia aerolata) was found at the base of the sandstone cliffs in the northwest section of the preserve. Ohio Wesleyan University botanist, David Johnson, confirmed the identification. David also shared that the fern is only known in eight Ohio counties and that our find is the first in Fairfield County!
It would be easy for the casual passerby to mistake the Netted chain fern for Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) which is pictured below.
The big news this week was the young black bear that was killed by a car on the Rt. 33 bypass approximately 3 miles from the preserve. The bear was killed early in the morning on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.  Apparently the bear had been chased towards the highway by a dog, where it was struck by a car. The DOW official on the scene indicated that the bear was a two year old male that weighted between 100-120 lbs.  This is the second black bear sighting, near Wahkeena, in two years. Last year a bear was seen pulling down bird feeders near a house one and a half miles up our road. So the chance of having a bear at Wahkeena continues to be a real possibility.
So bear with us as we regroup and get back in touch with more of what is happening at Wahkeena.
Posted by Tom

A Day in the Life…Part 23

Posted on June 7, 2015 by

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This edition will focus more on the animal inhabitants at Wahkeena. It is baby time for many of our residents. The baby Wood ducks pictured below were captured by visitor Alan Coovert of Hocking County. The young ducklings can be easily seen from the parking area which overlooks the shallow wetland were mother and young may feel more secure from potential predators that inhabit the larger bodies of water.

This morning a saw the Gray Petaltail dragonfly pictured below. I was walking over to the garage when something large that was perched on the outside of the door flew away. I followed the object to the large walnut tree just outside the nature center. And there it was blending in very well with the bark of the tree, as you can see (or maybe you can’t!).
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I grabbed an insect net in the hope of getting a better look. I also had to get a step stool as it was above my reach on the side of the tree. Below you see it perched on the handle of the stool.  This dragonfly is every bid of three inches long and quite a magnificent creature. 
On the flip side….are the beavers ! #%?
The picture above is the collapsed hole in the asphalt driveway caused by beavers tunneling under the exit drive. Below is a shot of the collapsed area. The tunnel stretched all the way across the drive with several side tunnels branching off the main tunnel. The damage will cost thousands of dollars to repair. We were lucky that the beavers did not chew through the buried phone line, seen as the black line running across the tunnel. If they had cut that…you would not be reading this!
On a more happier note, the Butterfly Weed or Orange Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa )is beginning to bloom in the sunny areas. As the name implies, this plant is very attractive to butterflies and other insects.
 The end of a busy day and a busy week and another busy week to come. This week, groups from the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, Ohio Wesleyan University and the Annual Educator’s Week Conference will keep us hopping. 

A Day in the Life…Part 22

Posted on May 31, 2015 by

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We have reached the last day of May and now the preserve is fully into the green and white period of the year. As soon as visitors walk down from the parking area, they will see this reflected in Lake Odonata. The surface of the pond is slowly closing as the water lilies leaves emerge and the large blossoms open.

Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

Near the nature center and along the tops of the sandstone ridges, the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is now in full splendor.

Below the shrub Mock Orange (Philadelpus coronarius) flourishes along the sunny edges. This plant is an example of a native to southern Europe that was introduced to Wahkeena during Carmen Warner’s occupation. This shrub earned its name because of the slight citrus scent given off by the flowers.

Mock Orange Close up

Below is another introduced species that is much less desirable than the one above. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) was first introduced to North American in the early to mid 1800’s for erosion control and as a root stock for ornamental roses. In the 1930’s it was promoted as “The Living Fence” as farmers were encouraged to plant it along the edges of their fields and pastures. But… Someone in the Department of Agriculture forgot to tell the birds to poop in straight lines along the field edges and it quickly became an unwanted invasive species!

The next picture is Southern Arrowwood (Vibrunum dentatum). This shrub is native to the area and grows in moist habitats. The common name refers to the use of the straight stems by native peoples to making arrow shafts.
Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) is also in bloom in the sunny areas of the preserve and will later provide a treat for many types of wildlife and humans as well.
Common Blackberry

The young Sassafras tree below has a stem that looks a lot like Spotted Joe- Pye Weed, a tall summer flower. As the tree matures the green stem will give way to a orange-brown bark
Sassafras  (Sassafra albidum)

Another “greenie” is the Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium). This Jack-in-the-pulpit relative has a concealed flower at the base of an enclosed structure called a spathe. The slender yellow structure is called a spadix and is a mechanism to encourage pollinator’s access to the hidden flowers.
The spectacular flowers of the Catalpa trees, seen below, are blooming at the pond edge and in other moist habitats.
Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Adding a faint splash of color, our fourth native orchid is now in prime blooming condition. The Large Twayblade (Liparis lilifolia) is found in multiple locations along the Shelter Trail. “Tway” means two and refers to the twin basal leaves of the plant.
This post was a little late this week because we have a new blogger.
“Hey, what happened to the mouse?”
Posted by the Wahkeena Crew

A Day in the Life…Part 21

Posted on May 24, 2015 by

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As we approach the end of May, the spring wildflowers are slowly giving way to the green of summer. Some of the azaleas are still in good blooming condition, but the Pink Lady’s Slipper and Showy Orchis are fading fast. The late show of spring flowers includes Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) seen below. Aquilegia is from Latin and refers to the petals that resemble an eagle …you might have to squint to see it!

At the other end of the color spectrum is Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana). The genus name of this plant honors J. Tradescant, who was Charles I’s gardener.
As the spring flowers fade we turn our attention to the ferns. Below is Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea). Osmunda was a Celtic deity. The species name refers to the color of the fertile frond, which is cinnamon colored. Too bad it does not smell or taste like the spice.
 We have three upcoming Fern Walks, so check the program section of the blog for dates and time.
One of the more unusual wildflowers is Squawroot (Conopholis americana). Because Squawroot lacks chlorophyll, it must “borrow” food energy from a host plant- making it a parasitic plant.
 In this case the host is oak trees, particularly those in the red oak group.

One flower that is proliferating now is Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis). Dame’s Rocket is kin to Garlic Mustard and both are considered invasive species that were introduced to North America. Both produce large numbers of tiny seeds in slender pods. Look along the roadside fences to see this flower everywhere. It is often confused for Garden Phlox which has five petals and blooms later. Dames Rocket has four petals.
In animal news, the third pair of Canada Geese hatched only one gosling. A female Wood Duck was seen Friday leading her brood across the driveway from the open pond to more secluded environs up stream in the area near the boardwalk. The Bull frogs are cranking up, and their “jug-o-rum” call can be heard from all corners of Lake Odonata. We have been catching lots of tiny crayfish with our school groups. The damselflies and dragonflies are now filling the air and feasting on all the other insects.
I’ll leave you with the best quote of the week by Laurelville Elementary 4th grader Hayden. Hayden was enjoying all that Wahkeena has to offer when all of a sudden he announces- “I want to be a naturist or whatever it is that you are!”  
Hope springs!
Posted by Tom

A Day in the Life…Part 20

Posted on May 15, 2015 by

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It’s azalea time once more at Wahkeena. The terrace behind the nature center is bursting with pinks and white and orange that are typical of mid May.

Above is the orange Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) which is native to the local Sugar Grove region and is a state-endangered species here in Ohio.
The cultivated pink rhododendron planted by the Carmen Warner many years ago still blooms at the edge of the lawn near the nature center.
Back in the woods, the canopy is quickly closing but our brightest red woodland wildflower is in bloom. Fire Pink (Silene virginica) is also known as catchfly because of its sticky stem which may temporarily trap small insects. (Note; this does not mean that the plant digests insects like carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap).
Our third orchid in the blooming order is now out and about. The Puttyroot (Aplectrum hyemale) is easily missed among the now very green forest floor. The once prominent leaf has now disintegrated leaving only the bare flower stock. This is one of those flowers that visitors sometimes ask, “When is it going to bloom?” And the answer is….it is in bloom!
Our native magnolia trees are also in peak bloom right now. The Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a major component of forest community here at Wahkeena. It can be easily identified by its tall, straight growth pattern. A valued hardwood is it also known as Yellow Poplar or the hybrid name Tulip Poplar. But don’t be mistaken, the Tulip tree is a magnolia and not a poplar- like Cottonwood and Aspen.
And it is also goslings time again….Which means for some people it is crying time again!  Canada geese are really good at three things- having babies, eating grass and pooping! But those little balls of yellow-green fluff are soooo cute! The pair above have five goslings. Another pair had only two and a third pair is yet to hatch. So it is definitely time to watch where you step! Carmen Warner loved her geese and today it is hard for people to believe that these maternal creatures, who mate for life, were once feared to be in danger of disappearing.
Life renewed is a good thing.
Posted by Tom

A Day in the Life…Part 19

Posted on May 9, 2015 by

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Azalea sp. behind nature center
Wow, we went from a cool April to a May that feels more like July! The native wildflowers and shrubs continue to bloom rapidly and the insects have exploded this past week. Lake Odonata has proven its name and the air is filled with dragonflies and damselflies. On our bird hike this morning we saw a White-eyed vireo catch and devour a dragonfly. (You can check the species lists on the blog home page for lists of birds seen and flowers/shrubs/trees in bloom.) The Pink Lady’s Slipper orchids are in full bloom now. There are six in one location and seven in another, both are very near the nature center. The Puttyroot orchid is near blooming. While chasing warblers this morning, we found one with flower buds right along the Casa Burro Trail. 
A dominate flower along the trails is the Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) also known as Spotted Cranesbill (pictured above).
Below, the Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is in full bloom as well. Their green flowers are concealed below the arching stems.

But, my most favorite thing is the spring woods is the Hoary or Mountain Azalea (Rhododendron roseum)
The sweet scent of this flower is one of the best smells you will find in nature.
Hoary Azalea Close-up

More azaleas will be blooming during the week, and the hopeful news of cooler temperatures will ensure that the flowers linger longer.

Posted by Tom

A Day in the Life…Part 18

Posted on May 3, 2015 by

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The Dogwoods have finally opened this part week, joining the Redbuds and the Crabapples, as the understory of the forest puts on its annual show. The showers of April have given way to the warm bright days of May….and wildflowers and warblers.

And the first native orchids are in bloom. First up is the Showy Orchis (Orchis spectabilis), which is quite abundant at Wahkeena. I have found many while pulling the evil garlic mustard.

And while the majority will not be in bloom for another week or so, one of the large Pink Lady’s Slippers (Cypripedium acaule) is in bloom in a sunny location not far from the nature center.

                           

There seems to be a great abundance of Jack-in-the-pulpit ( Arisaema atrorubens) this year. And its distribution is all across the preserve. (Also found while pulling garlic mustard.)

                           

Back along the Casa Burro Trail, the Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea) has burst open adding a splash of color to the greening forest floor.

 And phloxes have joined the show as well. The Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) is everywhere, especially in the open edge habitats.

In more shady environs, the pink Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) blossoms are stretching up above their creeping green foliage. (Note: the stuff sold in garden centers as creeping phlox is more likely to be a variety of Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata) which produces a dense low blanket of flowers.)
The new warblers are arriving by the hour. And once again the woodland is filled with the flute-like sound of the Wood Thrush. Joining in the band are Ovenbirds, Hooded, Kentucky, Black and white, Black-throated green, Worm-eating warblers and many more. Including the Scarlet Tanager, Louisiana Waterthrush, Eastern Towhee and Brown Thrasher just to name just a few.
So now would be a great time to visit Wahkeena Nature Preserve and witness this explosive period of warblers and wildflowers 
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