Summer is passing quickly! The most abundant flowers along the trail in early August are Queen Anne’s lace, spotted knapweed (a noxious invasive), daisy fleabane, bindweed, and soapwort (bouncing Bet), while typical late summer flowers – goldenrods and asters (and ragweed!) – are emerging. Clematis, coneflowers, evening primrose, and bee balm (monarda) are recognizable because of their similarity to garden plants. Red and white clover, chicory, and alfalfa remain abundant where we walk through the field. Native wildflowers keep appearing, contributing to more than 120 flowering plants identified along the trail since April. Soon – the next update – we’ll be in the season of fruit and seed dispersal.
The trail remains a wonderful place for wildlife. On every trail walk I hear song sparrows, goldfinches, indigo buntings, cardinals, catbirds, and bullfrogs. The open fields around Dugway support both orange and clouded sulphur butterflies, while pearl crescents and summer azures appear along open sections of the trail. Chipmunks remain abundant. A new fairy birdhouse has appeared; can you find it? (ask for a hint about its location). All photos below are from the past week.
Want to test your knowledge? Hover your mouse over or click on any image to see the name!
