Kentucky: Naturalists get an early jump on spring.

In April the naturalists get an itch to go south to meet the on-coming spring.  We just can't wait another day!   About 12 of us headed down to Jenny Wiley State Park near Prestonburg, Kentucky.

Crossvine, Bignonia capreolata

 A southern species, found only on the southern most locations in Ohio, Crossvine was ever present.  A sun-lover, it winds up to the tree top canopy to rain individual florets upon the forest floor.  We spent lots of time looking up.

Fence Lizard

We also looked down, at the Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloparus indulatus.  This handsome guy was enjoying a little sunbath as well.  He was a hefty guy of nearly a foot in length,  with a tinge of blue at the throat. He should impress the lady lizards.

Pinxter Flower

 Next, we are out on a limb. That's where you'll find the Pinxter Flower, Rhododendron periclymenoides. It is a showy pink azalea confined to southern states-and the Appalachian regions of Ohio. Take time to smell this one. Heavenly!

Jim and Sandy Davidson

Our hiking hero, Jim Davidson, and his wife, Sandy,  are still burning up the trails in their eighties! Well, maybe not exactly "burning up," but they are definitely out for a pleasant morning shuffle.

The Day Hikers from Ohio
Bill Marsh, Jan Voelker, Cheryl Harner, Greg Ratterman, (Mary Ratterman is hiding)
Joe Murra , Diane Weeks,  and Deb Marsh.    Photo by Susan Nash

 Anytime Greg Ratterman is involved, there will be black lights and mothing!  We enjoyed see what was flying on all three nights. All sizes and shapes were present and accounted for.  We had a high count of seven Rosy Maple (Dryocampa rubicunda) Moths in their full pink and yellow glory.

Mr. Bug by Luna Light

 We bid you good-night as Mr. Bug basks in the light filtered by a Luna Moth.  Not a bad way to end the day...

Mohican John's River

Mohican's Covered Bridge is an icon of the natural areas in my parts.  And as many times I have been there in the last 6 years, it always offers something new.

Recently, the tale of "Mohican John" was unfolded to me.  The first surveyors encountered him on the river, and the rest is history.  Or at least frequently told folklore.

But the real story of  Mohican revolves around the water.  Water that trickles through the sandstone and  forms rivulets coursing down to the river.  Water that nourishes spring wild flowers and fruit along the riverine corridor.

Flowering Raspberries grow near the covered bridge,  enlarged, soft purple flowers that far surpass the beauty of most members of the Rubus family. 

                              The water flows cold and free.        

                      The fish are (almost) fearless.

And hemlock line the trails, giving shade to the hikers and creating habitat for Winter Wrens.

The waters of the Mohican are pristine and pure.  It is one of Ohio's Scenic Rivers.  And those of us who live here feel it is important to keep it that way.