Sundew — Craig Elston

Tag: Sundew

Nearby Camp Newaygo Wetland

August

I have mentioned local areas to explore in the past and from time to time I will write about specific parks or natural areas. One such natural area about an hour from my home is the Wetland Tail at Camp Newaygo. This is a great place for those who may be a little less venturous or if you are concerned about causing damage to a wetland community by walking in it. This wetland trail is mostly boardwalk that meanders through wetland and bog but also skirts the edges of two ponds. It is an easy walk, being mostly flat with a couple of very slight inclines in the woods at either end. There is a fair amount of interesting flora that many may not see otherwise. The only plant you need to watch out for is the Poison Sumac and that is easily identified. It is not recommended to step of the boardwalk as you will sink over your head in some places and could cause damage to plants by stepping on them. There is much to see from or right next to the boardwalk.

Swamp Loosestrife

The ponds which are acidic show no signs of plant life in the water, but the edges are surrounded right to the water’s edge by Swamp Loosestrife that yields a beautiful pink flower. Near the end of the first boardwalk and the middle of the second this species hangs right over the edges of the boardwalk. Button Bushes also seem to enclose the path ahead of you in a couple of places, but take time to smell these round balls of flowers if they are in bloom. Also watch for butterflies and other pollinators that frequent the fragrant blooms.

Wild Calla

In the open bog area look for Virginia Chain-Fern, Cotton Grass, Wild Calla, Three-Way Sedge and Leather Leaf as all grow right next to the boardwalk. The large and showy white spathe of the Wild Calla is a definite treat as many people don’t realize we have a native calla in Michigan. The fact that so many species are right next to the boardwalk makes this a great place to see bog plants.

Arrow-Arum

As you enter the trail from the small parking area there is a high number of floral species including the robust Arrow-Arum, Mad-Dog Skullcap and several other spring and summer bloomers. At the north ends of both boardwalks, look for Horned Bladderwort. They are right next to west boardwalk and it is easy to see the tiny bladders. Another carnivorous plant that can be found here is the Round-Leaved Sundew.

This and many other areas that may be close to your home are worth a visit.

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Duck Lake Fire Recovery and Regeneration, One Year Later

August

If it weren’t for the blackened pine tree silhouettes still scattered across the landscape of the area that burned just over a year ago, one would not know that such a devastating fire had occurred. As I visited some of the same areas as last year, it was difficult to get the same exact position and angle for pictures. Larger trees have been removed, so the land marks used a year ago for photo monitoring are gone. Most of the area is covered in a lush green of bracken fern, grasses, blueberry and flowering plants. Hardwood trees that seemed to be killed by the fire are regenerating with new growth from the base. Pine trees are popping up all over as seedlings. Jack Pines need the heat of the fire to open their cones and release the seeds to the soil below. As can be expected this is a bumper year for blueberries in the burned over area. Some are small but many are of good size for wild berries and very tasty.

Pine Seedlings

Wetlands and lakes that were dry and burned over a year ago once again have water in them and are flourishing. Many shallow wet depressions in the midst of dry barren pine areas are yellow with goldenrod as well as with the grasses and sedges in abundance. Sundews, pitcher plants, cotton grass and many other species have reemerged.

Swamp Lakes Area

We often look at the devastation left behind by wildfires, but forget that fire is a natural purging and regenerative tool. As already mentioned some plant species need fire to release their seeds or start germination. Fire cleans the landscape of fallen or felled trees and as it moves across the landscape, fire helps to release nutrients tied up in old plant material and litter on the forest floor. In prairies fire helps keep out non-prairie plants and maintains the system. As one walks through the fire zone we see an abundance of new growth and life emerging from the ashes and will continue to see this area grow into a lush environment. The bottom line is that this area is probably healthier than the surrounding areas that have not been burned.

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Allegan

September

September is a great time to get out and enjoy the out of doors in West Michigan. The temperatures are more comfortable than they have been during the summer and pesky insects are not as numerous. Colors are becoming more vibrant as the trees begin to turn colors and late season flowers kick into high gear. I recently spent a morning in the Allegan State Game area near Allegan, Michigan. As I traversed the roads, preferring to stick to as many gravel roads as possible, there was much to see. One stop to check out a Pin Oak tree also yielded a substantial patch of Prickly Pear Cactus and a Buckeye Butterfly plus numerous birds. Along the roads were Great Blue Lobelias, Bidens, Big Bluestem grasses, native sunflowers, wild turkeys and much more.

Eli Lake

I revisited Eli Lake, a place I had not been since on a camping trip with a boys group from church as a young boy. Eli is a small, but beautiful lake. Like so many other lakes this year, it is low from the drought. The low water levels however expose a deferent flora and give easy access to some very interesting sights. As you begin to walk the reed lined shore, the Green Frogs squeak and jump for the water by the dozens. If you watch where they land, you may find them quietly sitting in the water. Enormous groups off Water Boatmen beetles swirl on the surface of the lake like little black boats stuck going in circles. In the shallow water at the edges are the pink flowers for Bladderworts and the white Pipeworts, and a little further out are white water lilies. Bog plants such as Sundew, Laurels and Cranberry can be found along the edges. Also along the edges are a St. John’s –wort new to me, I have narrowed it down to 2 possible species but need more work to be sure which one it is. The Bladderworts with their bladders under water and the sticky pads of the Sundew are both waiting to capture insects for nourishment. Tupelo trees are beginning to turn to their brilliant fall red color which contrasts brilliantly with the surround green foliage of other trees and shrubs. Above the high water level of the bank before the trees look for large areas of ferns and marsh St. John’s -wort. In the open shade between the parking area and the beach were violets.

Sometimes the close by home public lands and parks are the best places to visit and explore. West Michigan offers many great opportunities. If you live here or are visiting, take advantage of our rich natural areas on publicly owned lands.

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