20 July

 Summer has claimed the Forest and Wetlands.

Deciduous leaves have traded the translucent glow of spring growth for vivid opaque greens, even on new growth, such as this cascara.


The dry season is taking its toll on these pathfinder plants.


The foamflower that has lined the path for weeks is now producing its distinctive seeding--sometimes described as resembling little sugar scoops.


We've found a second cluster of ghost pipes within the forest--it's likely there are more further from the central path.  The earliest patch to appear is now fruiting--



The flowers droop at the end of the stems, but the fruit appears in an upright position. 

Some time ago a strange, deep pink organism appeared beside the path.  It seems to be spreading, albeit slowly.


At first I thought is was a jelly-drop fungus, but it hasn't developed as those fungi are described as doing.  Further investigation suggest that it may be a raspberry slime mold.  It's in the right setting--very decayed wood.  I'd welcome any clarifications from more knowledgeable mycologists, please.

Sometimes I think mycology lends itself to odd humour--in addition to the appearance of the (notional) raspberry slime mold, two fine patches of dog-vomit slime mold are wandering about, as slime molds will.


On reflection, the expression "wandering about," may be inappropriate--there's definitely evidence that slime mold behaviour is purposeful rather than random.  Perhaps it's exploring. In any case, its behaviour warrants monitoring.  

Out at the Marsh, the effects of summer are also apparent.

The fringe vegetation is in bloom.


Hard hack shows colourful blossoms,


and we await the blooming of marsh cinquefoil.


The water level is dropping.


This descent is unsurprising, but still a cause for concern.  We'll hope that the storage capacities of the Marsh continue to support local aquifers and watersheds through the summer.

The Marsh vegetation is taking on its summer colouration--

The Forest and Wetlands reliably provide visitors with changing views and observations, week after week, season after season.







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