Fire and Rain...

This evening I returned home from my annual trek to Shawnee State Park and Forest, where we hold Flora-Quest. It has been a long strange ride this weekend, and an old James Taylor melody keeps running through my head- the one about "Fire and Rain."

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It was just Saturday morning that we drove the ridge that surveys last year's forest fire damage at Shawnee. It happen the same week as Flora-Quest '09 and created quite the stir: the largest wildfire ever in Ohio took days to put it out. It happened while Forestry was doing some "controlled burns" in the area, and many questions remain about those fires. It will be in court at some point, and the facts will be clear enough then. Either way, this is the remains of a forest fire, after the last of the wood is salvaged.

Whether this area is part of a controlled burn or part of an arson fire, how could anyone think this is an "improvement" of our State Forests? The sooner Ohio puts an end to burning our forests, the happier the box turtles, rattle snakes and I will be.

A view of the Ohio River from "Picnic Point."

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And in an ironic contrast, this year we had floods. Flora-Quest went off without a hitch in spite of Saturday's showers and Sunday's torrential down-pour. Most folks were long gone, but the few of us who stayed behind for clean-up were were stuck for the night when the staff found out we were stranded at the Lodge (without internet)! The roads had been deluged in a flash flood!

The Ohio River (inset from above photo) as it swells and strains its banks.

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This morning the roads were passable again, but the signs of high water- debris strewn about, fallen trees, and a missing picnic table- were the obvious remnants of a very rough night.

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If I remember right, the 17 year cicadas hatched out in Shawnee- three years ago!~ So locust, fires, and floods- this event is turning into Biblical proportions!

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No matter what the weather, the enthusiasm of the attendees cannot be suppressed! So in the next couple of days, I'll be posting some photos of the people and plants that make this so much fun. Who knows what will happen next year?!

Shawnee Forest Foray

Shawneee State Forest near Friendship, Ohio is one of our state's most scenic treasures, filled with unusual botany, winding forest roads and drop-dead overlooks. The bluff from Picnic Point overlooks the river valley below which stretches all the way to Portsmouth.

Our State Heritage Botanist, Rick Gardner led a formidable foray into Shawnee on Wednesday. With his personal paparazzi to shoot photos and write down every scientific name, we scoured the earth for rare finds and hung on the master's every word. This elite corps of botanical bloodhounds document new finds and re-confirm the best of older discoveries. Setting all time records, this crew of 21 was made up of local experts and thrill seekers from across our state. Thanks to Tom, Melissa, Ray, Dave, Jenny, John, Kasmira, Janet, Nina and many others, for sharing the day.

All kidding aside, our Ohio State Parks and the people who protect, preserve and monitor them do an amazing job- and deserve all the praise and support we can give them. Remember to buy a Wildlife license plate or do a tax check-off to support Ohio's biodiversity.

Fire-Pink, Shawnee Forest

Silene virginica, Fire-Pink

This may be the most fitting flower to represent Shawnee State Forest right now, where Division of Forestry and local fireman have been fighting a forest fire for several days now. The rain has arrived in Scioto county, and will help quench the remnants of the burn. It's a long story that the news media is more than happy to cover for you, but I would like to address any of your concerns.

We have been in close contact with Ohio State Parks and Forestry regarding this weekend's Flora-Quest. Have no fear, we have many of our trips scheduled to go to Adams County, and the fire is well in control now. Officials are certain we will be able to traverse much of the park with no problem, and will probably not even be aware of this section that has been impacted.

Yes, I am greatly saddened by this turn of events, but we have two choices. Either we wring our hands in worry and call it quits, or we all head down there for a weekend of enjoying the flower display over the other 97 percent of the forest. The Fire-Pinks were in stunning display last year at this time, and I will be down there in person tomorrow to make sure things are copacetic. The lodge staff is anxious to attend to our needs, and the guides are ready to go. Let's support our park system and promote eco-tourism in Ohio. The plants you help save could be: Fire-pinks.

Don't hesitate to contact me with questions.