The 100 Species Challenge

As in some past posts, I could talk about things which frustrate those of us living up-close and personal with nature. A law suit over wolf management. Another over listing wolverines (both which cost you and I money, by the way). The federal government's refusal to help fund the growing costs of recompensing the cattle men for wolf kills (which I think they should continue to get but which cost Wyoming, alone, 1.2 million in the last year). Wildlife - human conflict which resulted in a bear loosing its life. And, of course, there is always more.

However, I'd always rather dwell on the 'good' things of living surrounded by the wild and scenic beauty of God's creation. So, when a friend put me on to a '100 species' challenge, I knew I'd found the subject for many future posts.

The motivation: most people (including me) cannot name even 100 plant species which grow near their home (besides, a good friend gave me a book I'm finally going to put to use. Thank you, Carla!) The idea: to photograph and record information about 100 species which share my backyard (and possibly nearby hillsides if I can't find 100 - but I suspect that won't be the problem).

Sound interesting? You can participate too. Now, before you go figuring out what you'll do with the 'prize', there isn't any. Let me re-phrase that. There is no 'monetary' reward for completing this challenge. However, I suspect the rewards will run to much greater value than mere money. In fact, having spent the last week or so capturing the beauty of our local wildflowers on disk, I am already reaping rewards. I'm learning to 'look' a little closer (and I thought I was pretty observant already)! In addition, putting this blog together I learned some fascinating facts about the plants in my back yard. I'm gaining a new appreciation for creation's variety. To me, those are rewards extraordinare.

If you'd like to learn more about the 'official' requirements, check out this July 1st blog entry. Although I'm probably not 'officially' entered, because I'm not including a copy of the rules, I suspect I'll enjoy the process just as much anyway. Besides, anything you'd like to know about the challenge is listed quite clearly at the link I've included.

So, if you'd like to learn more about Montana's flora and fauna, keep checking back. My goal is to post several species (with photos) each week. Whether I reach 100, well, that remains to be seen. However, I have no doubt we'll both enjoy the process, however long it lasts. And, if you don't find this the least bit interesting - well, shame on you!

Wildflowers! A kaleidoscope of color surrounds the lodge this time of year. Although I'm also interested in (and photographing for future posts) the grasses, weeds, and trees, I can't help but start with my colorful friends!

1. Blue Violet

2. Paintbrush

3. Cushion Phlox

4. Woods Forget-Me-Not

5. Sticky Geranium

6. Gaillardia

7. Wood's Rose

8. Cow Parsnip

9. Showy Fleabane

10. Prairie Smoke

Name: Blue Violet

Things I Already Knew: As a cultivated plant, this low-growing shade-loving favorite sports a vast color variety. As a wild plant, I've only seen it around here in lovely shades of blue - from sky blue to deep purple.

Things I Recently Learned: There are 14 species in Montana. Fresh violet leaves (even the wild variety) are edible in salads or can be cooked and used in flavoring jelly, jam, or preserve. Violets are rich in Vitamins A and C and in salicylic acid. The plants have a laxative effect and may stimulate urination. (Well, now we know what to eat if we get 'plugged up' in the woods :-)!

This plant is known by several names including: hookedspur violet, sand violet, and western dog violet. It is a North American native which prefers dry to moist meadows and blooms from April to August.

Although it re-seads, it does not do so aggresively - and since it is the sole food source for the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly larvae, it plays an important role in our eco-system.

Name: Common Paintbrush

Things I Already Knew: I've always called this unique flower 'Indian Paintbrush'. However, its official name is Common Paintbrush. This colorful flower grows in a variety of settings on stems 1 - 3 feet tall. I have always enjoyed seeing its colorful red display. However, in the last two years I have come to realize it comes in more colors than just vivid red.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the Figwort Family (sometimes called the snapdragon family) there are several species of Paintbrush in Montana. The family boasts twenty-two genera in Montana, often boasting showy flowers - usually with two, four, or five stamen. One unique family characteristic - if there are five stamens, one is sterile and different in appearnce.

Not only are there paintbrush several species, there are numerous colors - some of which I'll show you in a later post. Paintbrush is a semi-parasitic plant drawing water and some nutrients from nearby plants, usually sagebrush or grasses by using short side branches from their roots. For this reason, paintbrushes cannot be transplanted or easily grown from seed. In addition, Common Paintbrush is taller than most paintbrush (which accounts for my having noticed them first?)

Name: Cushion Phlox

Things I Already Knew: A favorite ground color cultivated in a variety of colors for home flowerbeds. Wild species seem to prefer southern exposure and seem to thrive in shallow rocky soil. One of the first wildflowers to make its appearance in the spring.

Things I Recently Learned: The identification of specific species requires microspoic features - in other words, it can be hard to distinguish between species (so if you'd like to argue this flower's identity - I'm ready to hear your reasoning!). All Montana species are white. Most sport a yellow center. Most prefer rocky / dry soils in which they can thrive because of their deep tap root.

Name: Woods Forget-Me-Not

Things I Already Knew: Commonly seen tiny summer flower which grows quite tall for its small flower size. Always appears in blue. Usually seen in dense growth and shady spots.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the Borage Family which includes 17 genera in Montana alone. The flowers in this family are distinguished by the coiled inflorescence (characteristic arrangment of the flowers on the stem) that uncurls as the flowers mature. This wild relative is usually deeper blue than its cultivated counterpart. The blue petals surround a center which can have red, white, or yellow rings. A native of Europe, the Wood Forget-Me-Not was introduced in the United States, Australia, and many other temperate countries. It is the Alaska state flower.

The Forget-Me-Not is a flower surrounded by legend - from medieval knights to modern romance. It is regarded as a flower of romance and lover's fate, often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love. German Freemasons wore it as an identifier during their time of persecution in the Second World War.

Name: Sticky Geranium

Things I Already Knew: Grows profusely nearby. Seems to be content in many soil and sun situations. A showy flower for much of the summer.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the Geranium family which is represented by only a few species in Montana. Geranium comes for the Greek word geranos which means 'crane' referring to the beak-like structure of the flower's pistils.

Wild geraniums were used by Indians for internal hermorrhaging by making a green solution from the powdered roots and water. It was also used for drying up sores. Crushed geranium roots were also used as poultices for arthritis, sore feet, and ruptures.

Name: Gaillardia

Things I Already Knew: A showy flower often seen in meadows. They usually grow fairly tall allowing them to tower above the surrounding grasses. Seem to have a limited life span.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the Sunflower family which is represented by over 2600 species in the United States and Canada. This showy flower is also called 'blanketflower'. Meriwether Lewis collected a specimen in 1806 along the upper Blackfoot River in Montana. This plant is quite drought-resistant.

American Indians used the flower for a variety of medicinal purposes. It has many varieties and is the Oklahoma state flower.

Name: Wood's Rose

Things I Already Knew: A nice smelling flower with nasty thorns, the Wood's Rose provides a showy display followed by Vitamin C rich rose hips.

Things I Recently Learned: This flower belongs to the shrubs family, not the rose family as I'd thought. The plant has a variety of medicinal uses and the American Indians ate the rose hips.

Many animals also eat this plant's 'fruit' which is a good source of energy and protein, particularly when the ground is covered by snow. In additon, large game animlas browse on the leaves and tender branches while porcupines and beavers browse on just the leaves. Thickets of this stickery plant provide nesting habitat and safe habor for many birds and small mammals.

NOTE: Although my Montana wildflower book lists this plant as part of the 'shrub' family (not the 'rose' family), a wildflower book for the Grand Tetons (in nearby Wyoming) lists it as a member of the rose family. So. . the consences is out but I'm up for suggestions (with sufficient proof :-)

Name: Cow Parsnip

Things I Already Knew: A large (3 foot and more tall) plant with large maple-shaped leaves and showy flowers, this plant prefers shady, moist areas.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the parsley family, which is also called the carrot family, there are 18 genera of this family in Montana. A family of extremes, it includes carrots, dill, and cerlery which are edible and water hemlock which is extremely poisonous. All members of this family have an unbrella-shaped flower cluster.

Also known as Indian celery, animals routinely graze on this nutricious plant, however, it can ruin the milk of a milkcow who grazes on it. The plant's juice contains phototoxin which can react on skin contact to ultra-violet light causing anything from a mild rash to severe dermitis. American Indians peeled and roasted its large stalks before the plant reached maturity, used it to make poutices for bruises and sores, and used the dried stems to make drinking straws and flutes. In addition, the roots can be boiled to make a yellow dye, and an infusion of the flowers can be rubbed on the body to repel flies and mosquitoes.

NOTE: If you're going to try eating this plant, cook it well (users suggest using small quanities at it has a very strong flavor) because it contains furanocoumarins (organic chemical compounds) which could be a danger to your face and mouth.

Name: Showy Fleabane

Things I Already Knew: This pretty little purple flower (usually 6 - 12 inches tall around here) blooms later than other 'daisy-like' flowers. It seems to prefer a little less sun as well.

Things I Recently Learned: A member of the sunflower family, Showy Fleabane prefers dry to moist soils in open meadows and woods - especially burned sites in coniferous forests. This plant is a North American native and produces the largest flowers of the Fleabane family.

Due to its connection to the mythological fire-god Hephaistos, Fleabane is often considered a fire herb. Apparently the Cherokees called it 'firemaker' because they used the friction created by rubbing its dried stalks together to start fires. The Navajo used to for conception and with other herbs for menstral pain. Because it ages and dies quickly, its botanical name means 'soon an old man'.

In more modern times it has been used as an insect repellent. In fact, Starlings apparently line their nests with the plant to keep mites away. People once mixed it with bedstraw to keep bugs out of their mattresses. It helps prevent fungus infections in strawberry plants. And, butterflies love it, but it is toxic to cows and goats.

Name: Prairie Smoke

Things I Already Knew: This small (6 - 12 inch tall) plant sports pretty pinkish 'bell-like' flowers which quickly change to upright hairy 'plumes'. Often seen in groups.

Things I Recently Learned: Also known as "old man's whiskers" (the reason is probably obvious) this plant is part of the 'rose' family. It prefers moist open meadows.

Considered a protected species in some areas, Prairie Smoke is more easily cultivated than some wildflower species. In fact, you can purchase plants online. It can also be started by dividing the root mass or by collecting, drying, and planting its seeds.

American Indians used prairie smoke roots to make an eyewash. They also made a tea from the roots which was used to treat colic and digestive ailments.

With literally hundreds of specimens and dozens of pictures already tucked away on my computer, you can be sure the next 'segment' is soon to come.

Lady of the Lake

Take a Hike!

I'm not sure where that phrase picked up its negative connotations. For me, those are some of the best words I can hear. After all, I absolutely love to hike. About the only thing I enjoy more is horseback riding - and that is only because I love horses (which I really can't help - I've been afflicted since before I can remember). Besides, they get me farther up and farther away.

My 'New Year's Resolution' (I don't really make those things, but the changing of the year, like the changing of the seasons, always reminds me of changes I need to make) for 2008 was to get out! I committed to exercise 6 days a week. So far, I've been able to keep on schedule - at least for the most part.

We hear all about the bodily benefits of physical exercise. I concur! I do feel MUCH better. However, I think (at least with back woods hiking) the mental benefits ought to get more attention. After all, as we get into the 'thick' of the season, I'm left with less energy to spare. Consequently, my hikes are becoming more 'hike' and less 'power walk'. However, I don't plan to give them up - even if I get to the point I'm really barely strolling up the trail!

Think about it. I get time alone (great for interspection). I get quiet time (great for meditation). My eyes, ears, and even my nose are literally bombared with the amazing sights, sounds, and smells of God's creation (great for humiliation).

All in all, I can't imagine a better way to start my day. And, that from a once non-morning person! Sometimes I really can't believe my body is waking me up so early just to go to work! In fact, most mornings, the first few minutes I'm yawning so much I can hardly see where I'm headed. But, it doesn't last long. And then - wow! The beauties my eyes behold.

Wildflowers! You can't imagine the rainbow of color through which I traverse! Every day the trailsides burst with new hues and shades and shapes. From the delicate cool-loving flowers in the draws to the bold, brilliant heat-loving flowers on the south-facing slopes - vibrant (and sometimes heady) friends line my pathway.

Animals! I'm getting plain ole' spoiled this summer. Not only do I get to enjoy a greater variety of wildflowers than the norm, I'm enjoying daily wildlife sightings. Today a young buck bound across my path - just a few yards ahead. Watching him bounce across the meadow and up the hillside was pure poetry in motion. When he stopped to pose for his photo, it was almost like he was agreeing with my accessment of his beauty and grace.

Yesterday it was elk. I had the privilege of watching seven cows and four calves climb a sagebrush covered hillside before ducking into the heavy of timber near its summit.

A few days previous I nearly trod upon an unsuspecting fawn. I never get over how still they lie - even when they are within feet of danger. Except for its wide eyes (clearly revealing its fear), one would think it was not real. Even more amazing - the dogs didn't see or smell it. Awesome design!

Wildflowers. Mountain Vistas. Sagebrush covered hillsides. Dark, majestic pine forests. Flittering and flashing aspen groves. Elk. Deer. Sandhill Cranes. Ducks. Trumpeter Swans. Pronghorns. Grouse. Smaller birds in bright plumage. Fox. These delight my eye and restore a sense of right to my world each morning.

Chattering mountain streams. Twittering birds. A wren's morning praise song. Wind whistling through the trees. A hawk's shrill cry. Silence. These restore my balance.

Fresh mountain air. The heavy dew's wet dirt smell. The flower's wisps of sweet perfume. The forest floor's musky scent. These revitalize my senses.

So, though my days take on a more hectic pace - my ears jangle from a cacophony of sound - my eyes rush from scene to scene trying to take it all in - I still wouldn't trade my spot for yours any day of the week!

Lady of the Lake

The Weather Has It!

(Photo courtesy of Gary Pumplin) Regardless of who is talking, regardless of their conversation's original purpose, regardless of how well (or not) they know each other, it seems the weather always comes up - especially this spring. Of course, as Americans, we tend to use the weather as a filler - a safe subject - common ground. However, this year I think the weather is getting more than its share of attention.

Maybe it's the rain. The thunder storm which blows through every afternoon. The wind. The muddy road - boy let me tell you about the road. Regardless, it seems to be on everyone's mind. And, not just folks living in our corner of Montana.

In Florida, it's the drought. Everywhere else it seems to be the cold, wet, unseasonably slow spring.

Here at Elk Lake we have enjoyed an unusually cool spring. However, the cooler temperatures and wetter weather have brought to light a few 'discoveries'. Nothing new. Nothing world-shaking. Just a few little things I've never really paid attention to before.

Dewdrops on the grass. The 'spider web' which surrounds a slowly melting snow drift. Tiny and hardy wildflowers springing up in some of the most unlikely places. The birds.

For many years I've enjoyed birds. In fact I will always be thankful to the lady who, years ago, pointed out the incredible variety in our front yard (back in Oregon). Her suggestion I get a bird book opened new worlds for me. I moved my love and interest in birds from Oregon to Montana. And, in the last several years my bird book has gotten a lot of use.

Whether it is the weather or the bird feeder or something else, I have noticed more color than usual in my yard this spring. Finches. Warblers. Grosbeaks. Hummingbirds (yes, already!). Yellow-headed black birds. And more. It has been a visual delight to watch for new visitors.

So, although I can talk the weather as good as the next guy, I've also enjoyed the fact it has brought to my attention (and my feeder) some new and beautiful details abounding in my own backyard.

Lady of the Lake