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
Tag: nature
Rediscovering Nostalgia: Exploring the All-New Rock River Heritage County Park
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 Hiking at Lulu Lake: A Wildflower Wonderland
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
Cup Plant Leaf
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.
Lady Asian Beetle on Yellow Parsnip
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
Shooting Stars
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
Winter Leaves- Marcescence
Embarking on a winter hike amidst the chilling grip of a 0-degree Fahrenheit morning, the snow beneath my feet emits a satisfying chorus of crisp crunches and faint squeaks. This season holds a special place in my heart for these short ventures, as the air is filled with the serene rustling of leaves that tenaciously...Continue reading