The hike was to begin at 10am (Dec. 7th). Was it going to rain on the group? So at my house on our early morning walk I could see a bit of blue sky.
Then to the east at home we saw the sun. Perhaps the NPAT hike was going to be dry. 🤞🏼However as I drove to the site I did use my windshield wipers. :-O
Then oh yeah, the rain stopped. And we were in the clear for now. The willow was flaming with color at the first stop on the hike. In a word…stunning!
Among the pine needles we came across what at first glance looked like scattered bones.
However it turned out to be gilled mushrooms that had been rooted up!
Another pond!
Several flowers were still blooming like this Prairie Gaillardia (Gaillardia aestivalis) with a brown Geometer caterpillar. Here again at first I thought the caterpillar was a piece of a twig or pine needle. LOL. Good job cat!
Next the Earthball (Scleroderma)! So I must say I had forgotten that they were not an Earthstar (Geastrum) species. This genus is very difficult to ID to species without looking at the spores. Also it has a similar look as an Earthstar. But before they lose their spores, they will have the appearance of a hard puffball with no stem.
Glen’s sharp eyes spotted the three amigas, the Ladies Tresses (Spiranthes)! In this habitat I believe they were S. cernua.
We weren’t the only one looking, as this snag was keeping an eye on the passersby. 😉
Time to head back. The rain was getting closer and…
And the wine tasting party at Marker’s Cellars. I mean that was a motivation. 🙂 Everyone listened carefully as Mark and Becky explained each wine and its story. And now the rain was pouring down. Perfect timing! So you may want to consider joining this group. Come for the prairie and stay for the wine. 😉
What uprooted the mushrooms? Armadillo, hogs…or? Gotta love the salmon hats. Quite fashionable.
Good question and I don’t know. And they say fashion always cone back 😂
That glowing willow was amazing! It sure was a fun hike and party. Thank you for steering us to that unit!
Glad to be a small part. So thank you!
Maybe someday we can visit Smiley Meadow
I agree, Jeanne.
It has been on my radar since I heard about the prairie well over a year ago. I had forgotten about it and just have not followed up 🤷🏻♀️
The hike was full of surprises and the rain held off until we were safely indoors. A perfect prairie outing!
Perfect for sure!
Good timing on all! What a nice time!