Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists enjoyed a 2 ½ hour nature walk through Melissa and Wayne Manning’s property on Copper Mountain Road, Saturday, June 8. Fourteen of us, led by Peter Antonick, spent the sunny morning scouting for wildflowers, mushrooms, old growth trees, birds and other wildlife. We were rewarded with the discovery of various varieties of wildflowers, including fireweed, rosy pussytoes, and small-flowered penstemon.
One of our club birding experts observed 25 species of birds, while others discovered two
types of tree frogs and a striped garter snake that conveniently slithered up the branches of a small tree to allow us great viewing! Many thanks to the Mannings for graciously allowing us to wander at will throughout their acreage.
Our next field trip will be held on June 22, when Tip Anderson will take us to Wolfe Lake for some hiking and/or kayaking. Phone Tip at 250-295-3369 to confirm and meet at Billy’s at 9 am. We have a full slate of field trips lined up for the next 3 months; for more information on them call 250-295-7560. After this month’s meeting we will not meet again until September 10, when Zoe Kirk will speak on bear awareness, specific to this area.