Stinky Bob where are you from?

Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert) is originally from Eurasia and is listed under ‘alert’ species by the Invasive Species Council of BC, as an unwanted horticultural plant meaning “gardeners should avoid purchasing or planting.” Maybe it should be called run-away-Bob instead!

What’s the difference between true north and magnetic north?

There are three norths! True, magnetic and grid – check out this quick video which explains the difference.
Holy smokes that was cool! So magnetic north is constantly moving? Where is it headed? The North and South Pole flips every several hundred thousand years? Check out this video for more.
And just because things that go on at the science stations in Antarctica are neat (to me at least) check out more here.

Freshwater sponges

Attached is the photo of the freshwater sponge Jim found. (Still working on an ID).
Also, did you know freshwater sponges can sneeze? Yup, read more.

Bird is the word! How to sustainably feed your backyard birds

Consider these notes on bird feeding, help birds not get sick from goo caused by wet feeders.
More tips here.

Here fishy fishy fishy

Jim found pumpkin seed sunfish in the stream, check out his fabulous photos and if you’re interested check this link out for more info on this invasive species.

The black plague… I mean the pink and white plague: Policeman’s Helmet: the blacklisted invasive

We found this seemingly harmless plant along the stream. As Torrey explained, while she gingerly bagged the flowering heads, the seed pods which hold thousands of seeds will explode and spread to a distance of 7 meters! Norway has deemed this plant the black plague since the spread is dramatic as the plague. TLC has notified CRISP (Captial Region Invasive Species Partnership) which is a program to manage invasive species in the Capital Region. They have a cool app so everyone can easily help report these bad boys: download here.

Flora we observed on this trip:

Douglas-fir, red alder, western redcedar, grand fir, broadleaf maple, Garry oak, salal, Indian plum, Himalayan blackberry, trailing blackberry, Oregon grape, lady fern, sword fern, salmonberry, bulrush, herb Robert, Cooleys hedge nettle, Oregon beaked moss, Douglas neckera moss, cat tail moss, electrified cat’s-tail moss, bristle moss, broom moss..