Hamilton Wetlands and Forest

  In addition to the seasonal changes within the Forest and Wetlands, there have been some new, human-associated developments, somewhat mysterious in their origin.  Culturally modified cedars have been present for many years, but in the past week, some new bark-stripping has occured. Three small cedars near the entrance of the Forest now show signs of stripping.  On consulting a Qualicum knowledge keeper who visited the area recently, it is not likely that this is the work of someone who is aware of how best to gather bark--the trees are shaded, and rather small to be a good source of bark.  That said, she reassured me that they are unlikely to be damaged by this harvest.  Notwithstanding, I hope that the bark stripping will not be widespread in the area.  Although the land is unceded to the Qualicum Nation, I'm not sure how the Mosaic Forest Management company, who nominally have the care of the area, would regard this practice.   In addition to ...

  Two spring weeks in the Hamilton Wetlands and Forest  bring about a dramatic change in vegetation and bird life.   The Forest's understory is suddenly rich in vivid greens.  Bracken fern has now emerged from "fiddleheads" to delicate fronds. and swordfern is developing its almost serpentine shoots. False lily of the valley is abundant, as is vanilla leaf. Saskatoon bushes show their distinctive  rounded, serrated leaves. The red elderberry bushes are flowering. The dull Oregon grape is flowering, in company with pathfinder (at the bottom of the frame). Near the Marsh, the bald-hipped rose is leafing out, and its rather delicate spines help in its identification. (click on the image to get a larger photo, which shows the frame.) Even nearer the Marsh, in the fringe vegetation, the twinberry, a species of honeysuckle, is starting to bloom. In the Marsh, the buckbean is flowering, in company with the marsh cinquefoil. The Marsh chimes with birdsong.  Mo...