Barb Haley, Watershed Watch Chair

My Observations

Date: August 25, 2024 @1000am

Area: Above Peachland Creek

Temperature: 24C

Weather: Gorgeous day

Visibility: Excellent

Conditions: Tolerably pleaseant

Observations: A nice little hike, a favorite “go-to” place that close and convenient! It was lovely to be back in the forest again, now that the weather is back to being more humane! I have been avoiding the hikes and bikes becasue its been so dang hot, just was not inclined to get even more hot and sweaty!

Besides…..the lake has been far more inviting!

I have also been hiding under a rock for more reasons than the weather. My heart has been devastated and utterl broken the day i lost my sweet baby Roo, the little black puppers (half border collie and half germain shepperd who identified completely as border collie) passed away so suddnly and in my arms at the beginning of July. My heart will never, ever be the same without my Rood Boy. I think about him always and every day still. I am still finding it a challenge to cope, and belive that he will come back to me somehow, someday. Who knew that it would happen so soon? Kai and I have found each other, he desperately needed a home with a lifestyle like ours, and I needed to allow my heart to be full again. How could I say no when we needed each other?

So from now on you will see Mr K joining our adventures, and every adventure will be done while remember my sweet Rudy!

This adventure found us some pictures of the flowers and life that abounds on the forest floor! We had some rain the past while (weird huh?) but the ground can still be pretty dry in places.

Go enjoy outside!

Dogbane.. aka “away from dog” No edible uses are known. All parts of the plant are said to be poisonous to dogs, humans, livestock, and other mammals. The sap that emerges when you break a stem or leaf of Spreading Dogbane contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic to humans. Spreading Dogbane roots contain cymarin, a powerful cardiac stimulant. North American natives, however, reportedly employed Spreading Dogbane to treat a wide variety of complaints. The Chippewa, for instance, used a decoction of the root for heart palpitations. The Iroquois took a compound infusion of the roots for stomach cramps. The Potawatomi reportedly used the root as a diuretic and a decoction of green berries as a kidney medicine. In addition, the women of some native American tribes used dogbane stem fibers (best harvested in the fall) to make fine thread, used for sewing and for making twine, nets, fabric, and bowstrings. The Bella Coola dried and pounded the stems to make twine and fishing nets.

Fireweed You can eat firewed shoots raw out of the ground — in fact, if you’re wondering if they’ve gotten too big to eat, just take a bite. If they’re tender and easy to chew, they’re still a great addition to your next meal. If they’ve gotten woody and tough, then find some smaller plants. Generally, if the leaves are still close to the stalk, and there’s some red tinge to the plant, you’ve found a usable shoot. New fireweed shoots have a visual resemblance to asparagus and, with their mild tannic flavor, a subtle similarity in taste. This leads me to prepare fireweed like I would young spring asparagus. If you can’t eat your shoots right away, you can freeze them, but they’re so tender that I recommend using the frozen shoots within a couple of weeks. To clean the just harvested shoots, submerge in cold water to let dirt and debris fall off, then rinse in a colander. Dry gently.

Knapweed Multiple species of knapweeds have had their roots and seeds used for sore throat gargles, and in ointments for wounds and skin infections. Especially greater knapweed.

Spiderweb

B’s Watershed Watch Update August 25, 2024

My Observations