Hi All
After combing the back hill and downhill for the remains of my dog,
thinking a bear must have gotton him, just five minutes ago Alfalfa bounded
up the stairs and he is fine!!! No idea where he has been but we're
abiding by the "Don't ask, don't tell" rule.
Thanks for your good wishes.
Terry
Hello All
Alfalfa, my lab/sheperd mix with a white chest has been missing from very
early this morning, or it could have been in the middle of the night.
I'm afraid he might have been taken by a bear or other predator. If
anyone has seen him today, let me know.
Thank you.
Terry
303-443-1409
303-917-0243 (cell)
This gorgeous anemone,which is in the Ranunculaceae, or Buttercup,
family, is just beginning.
I have seen it along 359 and on top of Winiger Ridge. This one is in
Stilson's Meadow.
Best,
J
As yu can see, this female has a litter in a nest, probably near the top
of a near-by Ponderosa. Tummy fur has been shed to fascilitate feeding
of babies.
Best,
J
Later in the summer these low-growing plants, Mahonia repens, in the
Berberidaceae, or Barberry, family, will have blue grape-like berries.
One western slope species, M. fremontii, is a small tree.
Photo taken in Boy Scout Trail area.
Best,
J
A happier note --- beautiful Wallflower is out everywhere. This mustard
is a native!! Celebrate!
Best,
J
Dear Friends,
Here is our good friend, Bromus tectorum, or cheat grass. This horrid
stuff was introduced in the late 1800's in packing material, and has
since spread to just abut every nook and cranny of our country.
Because it greens up and sets seed so quickly in the spring, it
outcompetes native grasses. It is in a symbiotic relationship with
fire. Its awns, once dry, are harmful to animals, and collect in socks.
This plant will never be controlled on public land. Its extent is too
great. Consequently, we can only hope for control on our private
properties. Fortunately, it is an annual, not a perennial.
First of all: Control seed production and dispersal. Mow, pull, and
then bag seed heads.
Then seed ground with healthy native seeds.
Be alert to new growth. You will probably have to treat this stuff
repeatedly during the summer.
Recommended reading: Holistic Management, by Alan Savory & Jody
Butterfield. It is available throught the Savory Center at
www.holisticmanagement.org. Ask Dan for more info --- he loves talking
about it.
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07232.html for info on ornamental
grasses adapted to Rockies
www.hcn.org search archives for cheatgrass
Just google cheatgrass and see what happens!
More on weeds to come!
Best,
J
