Hamilton Wetlands and Forest

  A season for returns.  My walking colleague is recovering from some complex surgery and, after long months, is now fit enough to visit the Forest and Wetlands.  It is wonderful to have her sharp observational skills and appreciation of the setting.   The joyful light of spring welcomed us. An abundance of new spring growth is appearing, Dull Oregon grape is coming into bloom, as are clusters of elderberry blossoms. It appeared that a bear had been searching for grubs in the bark of downed logs. Ephemeral ponds protect small amphibians and their larvae from the greedy bullfrogs of the bigger Marsh. They also seem to nurture lady fern--not common in the forest. Trillium and false lily of the valley grow together along the path. The Marsh and its fringe are coming into bloom as well. Buckbean is blossoming--not yet in full bloom, which is a spectacle to anticipate happily--but showing its ornate flowers. Twinberries are starting to blossom along the Marsh edges. ...

  At last, after numerous official guided visits, speeches, and a ribbon cutting attended  by innumerable dignitaries, a return visit to the Hamilton Forest and Wetlands.  It has become officially Hamilton Marsh Regional Park and Conservation Area.   In addition to its newly conferred status among human governments, spring has come to the area, and the Forest gleams with new growth. Every spring, the salmon berry bushes are among the first to blossom. Ferns are beginning to sprout--the single shoot of bracken fern: and the clusters of lady fern. Vanilla leaf is appearing,  providing us with a effective mosquito repellent when we forget to bring our own, and the dismissively named "false lilly of the valley," not yet in bloom, but abundant. I doubt very much that the plants intend deception--they will produce nice white clusters of blossom as the season advances.   Kindbergia emerges from stumps, sprouting its beaked capsules. Along a branch path, ...

  The Forest and Wetlands are changing, not just with their usual seasonal changes, but in response to the newly established ownership.  In part, these latter changes reflect the anticipated "Ribbon Cutting" event scheduled for the coming Tuesday, to recognise the establishment of the Hamilton Marsh Park and Conservation Area.   Apparently over an hundred invited guests will attend this event, including assorted dignitaries.  The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has put effort into making the path from the parking area to the Marsh more accessible in this still muddy season. I've been told these are temporary walkways--they're not easy to navigate, but should keep visitors' feet dry.   Organisers of the event are also showing warranted concern about the stability of the dock. Hopefully, the number of visitors on the dock will be kept at a minimum.  There was discussion of a lifeguard in attendance--the water level of the Marsh at this point is a...

  A return to Hamilton Marsh on a windy spring day.  The sun shone from on high, marking the approach of the equinox.   A young hemlock emerged from a logged stump. Nurse stumps nurture young huckleberries.  This stump looks to have been logged and burnt -- likely early in the 20th century. The water level in the Marsh is the highest I've seen this year, and full of mallards.  Mostly, my recent approaches have been heralded by frogsong, but yesterday I was greeted by frenetic quacking. There must easily have been 200 mallards. Although most of the birds were visible on the water, it was apparent that they were nesting in the reeds and sedges.  Pairs of ducks emerged at intervals. The frogs and other amphibians have been active as well. An alder beside the Marsh is showing fine catkins. Fungi isn't evident in any great numbers, but there were some showy turkey tails.   Arrowsmith boasted a magnificent snow pillow.  Unfortunately, the forecast ...