Curiosity goes for a hike
An Evening’s Quest for the White Lady It was early evening, and I found myself with only ninety minutes of daylight and a twenty-minute drive. The storms and relentless rain had kept me indoors for days, but tonight, the sky held a certain peace, a quiet invitation. I felt that familiar tug, a hunch...Continue reading
On a crisp mid-October Saturday morning, I set out for Rock River Heritage County Park, a new gem nestled along the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin. This park, opened just this past summer, stands where the old Camp Indian Trails once lay—a cherished ground for the local Boy Scouts of America. With...Continue reading
Late August brings a special kind of magic for nature enthusiasts at Lulu Lake, The Nature Conservancy. Though the season begins to wane, the landscape here defies expectations, bursting with vibrant wildflowers that stretch across fields and trails. Following the old railroad bed, I found myself surrounded by a breathtaking array of blooms still in...Continue reading
While hiking along the Ice Age Trail near Whitewater, Wisconsin, I stumbled upon something that stopped me in my tracks—a delicate cluster of Ghost Pipes. Perhaps I’d passed by them before, never noticing, but today, they stood out against the forest floor like whispered secrets. Tucked within the quiet shadows of the woodland, these ethereal...Continue reading
The cup plant is a North American perennial with distinctive cup-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. The leaves grow directly opposite each other so as to create a cup to retain water. Their intriguing texture and shape caught my attention. These were looking amazing at Glacial Park this morning.
Timothy grass, is a perennial bunchgrass that is native to Europe and widely naturalized in North America. It is named after Timothy Hanson, an American farmer who promoted its use as a forage crop in the 18th century. It grows to between 2 and 4 feet tall. I really like the color and texture.
The prairie of Glacial Park was teeming with an abundant presence of Lady Asian Beetles. Within this landscape, one could spot the growth of wild parsnip, a plant known to flourish in numerous states, such as Illinois and Wisconsin. However, this species is not native to the region, originating from Europe. When handling wild parsnip,...Continue reading
Spanning a generous 35 acres, this bog invites visitors to wander along its boardwalk loop—a path that feels almost magical, winding through lush and mysterious terrain. My own journey to this secluded place held a singular purpose: the hope of finding the delicate pink lady’s slippers and perhaps glimpsing the striking blooms of the purple...Continue reading
Shooting Stars occupy a unique spot among the late Spring wildflowers I cherish in Wisconsin. These enchanting blooms, formerly known as “prairie pointers,” are found in moist meadows, prairies, and open woods. Displaying a captivating range of colors, including reddish, pink, white, and purple, these flowers stand tall at an impressive height of around 18...Continue reading
Recently, I came across a controlled burn along the Ice Age Trail in the Southern Kettle Moraine, a sight that opened up new paths of exploration I might not have dared venture into otherwise. I had previously marked this particular area using Google Maps’ satellite view. There, I could see unofficial trails winding through...Continue reading