The Iowa Native Plant Society (INPS) teamed up with Brenda Nations (Iowa City Sustainability Coordinator) and UI Biology Emeritus Professor Diana Horton on a spring wildflower and plant identification walk at Ryerson's Woods. The park is just south of Iowa City and is the most untouched land in Johnson County. It was a healthy turn out of over 75 people. We were split into 5 groups and my friend, Gloria and I went to a beginner group with Linda Scarth. She is the President of INPS and is also a distinguished nature photographer. Here is her website: http://www.scarthphoto.com/
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| Center: President of INPS, Linda Scarth, a notable nature photographer. |
I learned how to identify many spring flowers and the importance of protecting the native plants from human predation which is their biggest threat.
Bloodroot is the earliest spring flower which later turns into an interesting lily pad shaped leaf. I bought this flower at the Project Green Plant Sale a few years ago and just love it! The flower is pictured below next to a mayapple. I learned that mayapples must have two leaves to be able to produce a flower.
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| Bloodroot and Mayapple. |
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| Wild Geranium |
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| Trout lily. Named for the spotting on its leaves. |
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| Dutchman's Britches. Photo taken at Lake MacBride. Close relative to Bleeding Hearts. |
The INPS (website) is a forum for plant enthusiasts, schedules field trips and plant sales, and promotes education. Students can join the Society for just $5 a year.
I can't wait to go on another field trip with this group!
The tour was a delight!
My favorite Linda quote: eenie, meenie, middley, might, what shall I go? left or right?
