Autumn in the woods; virgin's bower, beechdrops,strawberry bush, mile-a-minute vine, Japanese stilt grass, Chinese lepedeza, Lady's thumb

It is Autumn in the woods!  Government Island continues to charm us with its ever-changing flora.  The naturalist guided nature walk on Saturday, September 22 was another success.  The area along Austin Creek was somewhat devoid of animal activity, but there was plenty of non-native invasive species to view and discuss.  Government Island has a long history of human activity, therefor it is designated as a disturbed site.  Years of human interaction has introduced many types of non-native species.  These plants take over and crowd the native plants, much to their detriment.  Mile-a-minute vine is really creating a problem along the creek.

 Japanese stilt grass is competing heavily with Lady's thumb along the pathways.  Many feel that Lady's thumb is also an invasive species, but I feel it looks a lot better than the stilt grass.  The pink flower is the lady's thumb.  Unfortunately, the lepedeza has gone to seed guaranteeing plenty of new plants next spring.  Yuck!


 

But all was not disagreeable on the walk.  We were treated to a lovely show of  virgin's bower entering its seeding transition.  It is much showier at this stage, don't you think?




A real treat was finding a strawberry bush that was also going to seed!  I have never observed this plant at this stage and was initially confused as to what it was.  Most of the strawberry bushes I have seen were scratty little things, barely hanging on to existence.  Seeing this plant in all its red glory was a treat.

Another treat was finding a patch of beechdrops on the island.  This plant is a parasitic plant that grows under beech trees.  Looks like some kind if leafless sucker.

As we were crossing the bridge over the marsh, a wonderful bird siting.  A great white egret.  Not a common site at Government Island, but not one I haven't seen before.

The thistles are turning to seed.  I have noticed that there are fewer goldfinch in the field this year.  Last year they were all over the thistle collecting seed for their nestlings.  But a few butterflies still linger.

There will not be a walk in October, but we hope to see you in November on 17th.  Most likely at 8 AM.  Watch this site for the time announcement.  Or check in the Free-Lance Star Weekender section the Thursday before, Novemebr15. 
Great seeing you here!
Maria C. , Virginia Master Naturalist.