Big Lake Excursion, Day 4

Another survey day on which I had the pleasure and privilege of mentoring our newest volunteer, who was as keen as I to explore Big Brook and its bog areas, which always offer incredible diversity. The area was unfortunately too mucky-silty shallow for our snorkeler to accompany us even though he made a valiant attempt to join us.

Our initial experience was dominated by mayfly bodies coating the water's surface, not exoskeletons this time - they'd all enjoyed their last hurrah (mating & egg laying) and were now expendable. Their beautiful winged forms created a fantastic textured surface - quite incredible to see.

We saw so many interesting and beautiful species, all while keeping our eyes out for invasive variable leaf milfoil. We were pleased to find two native leafy milfoils, (Northern and Alternate flowered), but happily no new locations for the bad one. Go Natives! The edge plants added an extra wow factor to our survey - I was particularly enamored with the nodding pitcher plant flowers amidst the greenery.

How exquisite these North American natives (Sarracenia purpurea) are up close! Unique, indeed. I was so besotted with the flowers that I didn't think to take photos of the pitchers at its base!

We loved the dramatic pink of the Swamp roses (Rosa palustris),

the deeper maroons of the Purple marshlocks, a new plant for me,

and the delicately pink-tinged fruits of Bog rosemary

We had a blast! And, of course, no excursion is complete without an Arrowhead

Back on land, we prepared for the evening's potluck social and presentations with the community, which rounded off the week really nicely.

I gathered my courage to get up and speak to the crowd about getting locals to volunteer on their own lake. Phew! I survived it, and it felt good to share my passion.