Drought in the wetlands, blue gill trout,

Have been out of town, but stopped by the Island this afternoon for a very quick peek.  We need rain, and lots of it.  Things are really drying up at the old beaver pond close to the parking lot.  The water level has dropped significantly since I was there not a week ago.  The turtles are still lazing in the water, but that same water is starting to smell in a stagnant sort of way.  You can easily see how much the water level has dropped by how much bare shoreline is exposed.

However, there were several young boys having summertime fun fishing off the bridge.  Austin Run was actually teeming with lots of little fish. Not sure where the big ones have swum off to!  One young man proudly showed off his small blue gill bass, just prior to releasing it back into the creek.

When you go to the Island over the next few weeks, take note of what is happening to the wild berries.  You should start to see a noticeable change in color in preparation for the fall bird migration season.  More about that in a future entry.
 
Watch for the upcoming announcement of the next guided walk conducted by the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.

Seen anything interesting lately at Government Island?  Have any questions about what you have seen?  Let us know.

Maria C., naturalist

Introduction from the Historian

I first stepped on Government Island in 1978 when my family moved to Stafford from California.  At that time I had to wear boots and place down logs over water just to reach its shoreline.  A year later, I wrote a paper about the island’s history which ultimately led to it being preserved twenty years later…..for it was in 1998 when the Board of Supervisors finally purchased it.  You just can’t imagine my joy when I discovered that the island has its own blog!  I would like to thank Michelle who created the blog and Maria who has already contributed so beautifully.  Since I wrote the book mentioned before, it will be my pleasure to contribute to this blog. 

Jane C., historian

Wildflowers, swamp rose mallow, Turk's cap lily

Hello, another naturalist update, of the floral type this time.

Wildflowers at Government Island change almost daily,  not just seasonally.  If you would like to see some colorful examples of swamp rose mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos, now is the time to stroll along to the last part of the wooden walkway at Government Island. 

You can look left or right of the walkway to view some lovely examples of this summer flower.  There are even a few of the less common pink variety.  Be advised, these are a sun loving flower, so don't go too early in the morning, and don't expect to see them after the sun has disappeared behind the trees.

And if you look closely, at the far end, on the right hand side, you may still see the remnants of the only Turk's cap lily, Lilium superbum, that I have seen at GI this year.  If you see another example, let me know.

Thanks, Maria C., naturalist, Virginia Master Naturalist Program

Government Island/naturalist observation/beaver sighting

Welcome to the Government Island Blog.  My name is Maria C, and I am a volunteer with the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program.  I am part of a team that conducts nature walks at Government Island. The Island is a fascinating little chunk of nature that amazes me every time I go.  Through this blog I hope to open up a world of nature that many of you may not have known existed in your backyard.  I also hope to see you at one of our monthly nature walks. 

Today's entry should be titled "Beaver Love." On Monday (July 23) evening, along the creek, Austin Run, I was drawn to some ripples in the water.  Investigating from the creek bank, I observed not one, but two adult beavers.  They were most likely a mated pair by the way they gently nuzzled and appeared to be grooming each other. 

These beavers are local residents of the creek and unfazed by humans in relative close proximity. (Here I must add that you should always remember no matter how calm and cute they appear, wild animals are WILD animals.  Respect their personal space and never approach any closer than a minimum of 10 feet.  Never approach at all if they are potentially dangerous, like a bear).  The love-beavers eventually swam up creek towards the bridge, where one of them crawled onto the bank, gathered a mouthful of vegetation, dragged it back into the water, and disappeared under the bank. Incidentally, they disappeared into the same spot into which I have seen the muskrat disappear.  (A tale for a later blog!).  For over 15 minutes I enjoyed the beavers of GI.  I  feel privileged to have observed what appeared to be affection shared between two wild animals. Next time you go to GI, keep your eyes open for ripples in the water...who knows what you may see.

Maria C., naturalist

THE book for those interested in Govt. Island

For those who wish to gain more information about Government Island, both its science, but especially its history, then the book Birthstone of the White House and Capitol by Jane Hollenbeck Conner, is an excellent resource. Conner is local historian who was a key component in saving the island from development. She has done vast amounts of research on the topic, even including lists of other buildings that are composed of Aquia sandstone that could even have been quarried from Government Island.

Cover picture on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Birthstone-White-Capitol-Hollenbeck-Conner/dp/1578643368/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343140750&sr=8-1&keywords=Birthstone+of+the+White+House+and+the+Capitol

Welcome

Welcome to the Government Island blog; a blog for enthusiasts of Government Island, located in Stafford, Virginia, as well as enthusiasts of the nature of the Central Rappahannock area, and enthusiasts of history. Government Island's claim to fame is that it was once the quarry that contributed sandstone to build the Capitol. For a brief introduction to the park, its nature, and its history, visit :  http://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/GovernmentIsland/.