Gibraltar Rock Time
I hiked the trail from the west end of Paul Lake to the top of Gibraltar Rock and back. The approach to the top of the bluff is a steep winding trail from the north. The final section is a … Continue reading →
Doug Smith
Arumleaf Arrowhead
Arumleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata) is an aquatic perennial, growing in slow-moving water. It is a flowering plant in the water plantain family. Starchy tubers from rhizomes root in the silts and muddy bottoms of ponds and shallow bays of lakes. … Continue reading →
Hilltop Trees
Trees that grow on hilltops are subject to the elements – winds, lightning, and winter storms. Those that survive are sometimes stunted or somewhat shaped over time. We hiked over a series of hills on the south side of Kamloops … Continue reading →
Middle Grasslands in November
On a cool late November day I hiked through the grasslands enjoying the glaciated terrain, some expansive views, and nature’s offerings along the route. Along the way I stopped to observe various various plants and lichens, including low pussytoes (Antennaria … Continue reading →
Western Trillium
Western Trillium is a perennial herb which can be spotted in bloom in the southwestern coastal areas of BC Thick, fleshy rhizomes support stiff stems. Stems are unbranched and smooth. Three egg-shaped smooth leaves grow on the stem. No basal … Continue reading →
Sunset Nature Hike
In the later part of November we hiked west in Kenna Cartwright Park out to the end of the Sunset Trail and back. The pipeline work is now finished in the area and hydroseeding and restoration has been completed. Along … Continue reading →
Mosses and Lichens Along the November Trails
November hikes were across grassland benches, grassland hills, open forest slopes, and in montane forest areas. Wildflowers were long gone, with a few dried stalks still visible. Some perennial shrubs and forbs retained some color, but soon will be buried … Continue reading →
Groundsel
There are several types of groundsel (Senecionae) found in our region: arrow-leaved groundsel (Senecio triangularis) western groundsel (Senecio integerrimus) black-tipped groundsel (Senecio lugens) woolly groundsel (Senecio canus) and related buttterweeds (Senecio sp.) They are all perennials in the sunflower family, … Continue reading →
Through the Timber Hills
On a hike through the forests south of Kamloops on a November day, I made a number of observations along the way. A number of perennials were spotted and identififed by their leaves and their growth habits. There was bunchberry … Continue reading →
On Rabbit Island
In mid-November I hiked over to and then around Rabbit Island. I waded through the river channel with a drysuit and changed on the far side. I followed the river shoreline around the island, but also hiked onto the island … Continue reading →
Crustose Lichens on Rocks
While hiking in the sagebrush grasslands I hiked around a series of rock outcrops to view some crustose lichens. Lichens are a result of symbiosis between a fungus and algae. The fungus provides structure/protection and the algae provide nutrients through … Continue reading →
Marsh Cinquefoil
Marsh cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) is a shrubby perennial that grows from rhizomes in wetland areas. Long, creeping rhizomes are sometimes woody and spread horizontally, often on the water. Reddish stems grow vertically and horizontally. Branches have alternate green hairy jagged … Continue reading →