June Nature News
Posted on Friday, July 3rd, 2009
As revelers gather to celebrate Independence Day, biologist Cathy Shill reflects on June and the beginning of summer here in Jackson.
Purple: blue camas. White: wyethia.
June was a wet month and is our third wettest on record. We have received 3.75 inches of rain with 1.65 inches being average. Some species thrive in wet conditions and some have challenges. Morels seemed to like the mix of rain and sun. We do have fewer flying insects so fewer swallows. Vegetation has been and continues to be glorious so herbivores are happy. The endless rain made it tough on visitors, farmers, boaters and other recreationists but now the sun is shining and the trails are clearing of snow.
Morels
At this time of the year, you can witness the transition of the plant world. As you go higher in elevation, you can physically see the change from a winter landscape to a blooming summer meadow. The foothills and sage habitats are filled with flowers. As you begin to ascend into the montane zone (between 6800-9000 feet), you still come across some patches of snow and a mix of blooms. You might see the first flowers- the buttercups, spring beauty and yellow bell lily and also some of the earlier summer blooms -lupine, larkspur, geranium, and nine-leaved desert parsley. The subalpine and alpine zones (9000 feet to treeline) are still mainly snow covered but each day of warmth brings change. The rivers are still high with sediment found in the streams. Peak water is occurring now.
I had the opportunity to explore the Squirrel Meadows area on the Reclamation/Grassy Lake Road north in the valley. It was a main route to the Yellowstone Area during the early 1900’s. It goes from Ashton, Idaho to the Flagg Ranch area in Yellowstone. Visitors would take the train to Ashton then travel on a stagecoach to get to the park. The land is now mainly protected and supports many of the larger predators in the area, specifically the Grizzly Bear.
We enjoyed a day of spring flowers and saw fields of Blue Camas and white Wyethia. Blue Camas was a main food source for the native peoples in this area. They would roast the bulbs preserving them for winter. A favorite camping spot was the shores of Jackson Lake. We even saw the carnivorous plant- the sundew, Drosera rotundifolia. It is a tiny, insect eating perennial herb and also used to treat respiratory tract problems.
June 20 was the summer solstice which is the longest day of light. We align with light to celebrate summer. We align with nature. Time is something we have instilled in our lives so it is nice to live with the light. Rise at dawn, and go to bed at dusk. When we align with the solstice and recognize summer, it does increase the support of nature. Energy is high. Step outside and breathe and you will feel it. Nature supports us. To delve a bit deeper, focus on your breath, quiet your mind, and feel the spaciousness.
Happy summer to all!
(I did receive the rainfall information from Mountain Weather at www.mountainweather.com. It is a great resource for the weather in our area.)
For trail suggestions, a list of what Cathy saw in the woods and to learn more about the Jackson Hole Hiking Experience, visit biologist Cathy Shill’s Hole Hike Web site.
Carnivorous Sundew.
