2nd Marsh -- April 9th, 2012

After our false Spring, things seem to be back to normal. The initial spurt of growth has slowed and April feels like April. The chilly wind today could even have passed for a March breeze.

The green mosses still offer the most green in the marsh but their competition is coming on strong. Trout Lilies, Mayapples & Horsetail are all there now, though they won't be blooming for a while.

There are 1000s of  Trout Lilies near the Beaver Pond and into Ghost Road Bush.

And a few 100 Horsetail mixed in with them.

The invasive Garlic Mustard is "everywhere"... in the marsh, and elsewhere in the area. I think it spreads further each year.

The trio was out to greet me at their usual spots along the boardwalk.

I never see many people in the marsh but most often I do meet one or two.

Coltsfoot are fading, making way for the Dandelions.

I'm an exception to the rule I think... I like Dandelions.

Browns still dominate the marsh.

Mullein has to have the softest leaves of any plant in our area.

A remnant from last year...














The Mayapples still have their 'umbrellas' tucked closely to their stems but a couple looked like they weren't all that far from starting to open.

There's lots of new growth that I don't recognize in the early stages, though the first shot is Garlic Mustard and I think some Touch-Me-Not peeking through the boards.

 

A 'miniature forest' of some mosses.

 

The latter stage of Pussy Willows.

Nature finds openings where she can... here some new growth through one of last year's Sugar Maple leaves.

After that initial burst of Spring we had a few weeks back,  I think things are progressing at a normal rate now.

The Friends of Second Marsh web site... 

http://www.secondmarsh.ca/

A direct link to a map of the paths/trails in the marsh...

http://www.secondmarsh.ca/Recreation_Map.html

A link to a page that has my past posts re the marsh, in one place rather than scattered throughout this blog...

http://rgbell.ca/2/

- fini -