Trail Talk: Searching for a true Solomon’s seal in Huron County

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Near the end of May, I finally saw a yellow swallowtail butterfly and also saw six frogs  – two at least were green frogs – in the small pond at the edge of the Maitland River. Dragonflies were also finally back in full force on the Hullett Sugar Bush blue trail while some dot tailed whitefaces, chalk-fronted corporals and common whitetails were identified by using iNaturalist. When looking for a true Solomon’s seal, which are uncommon in our area, I found a twisted stalk that has similar leaves to Solomon’s seal but the leaves grasp the stems. The most common plants are false Solomon’s seal and starry false Solomon’s seal. Dame’s rocket are now in bloom and look very similar to garden phlox, but they have only four petals, compared to five on phlox.

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On our Wednesday hike between River Line and Boundary (Robert Edgar) Bridge, we saw two yellow lady’s-slipper orchids. However, on our return hike, we noticed five more. They were not as vigorous as in other years, probably due to the lack of recent rain. We stopped for a photo on Leonard’s Bridge, which was installed about 12 years ago.

Notes.

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. BRVTA is hosting the first annual Pride Hike. Meet at Clan Gregor Gazebo for a 90-minute hike, including the Bayfield Woodland trail

Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. for 90 minutes. Hike at 7277 Hwy. 8, a private property just west of Dublin. For more information and to preregister, contact Anne Melady at [email protected].

Sunday, June 11, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bike ride on the G2G from Blyth to McNabb Line and back (18 kilometres each way). Contact Sally Brodie at 226-378-1648 to register.

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Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. National Indigenous Peoples Day hike, with Jordan George on the Varna Nature Trails

Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.  Hike mostly on the Maitland Trail with George Cantin from 37153 Bishop’s Rd.to the Cherrydale picnic spot and back. Expect to take about three hours at a moderate pace. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact George Cantin at [email protected] or 519-871-1686.
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to [email protected]

Uneven Hikers hike for 90 minutes to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper.

Both groups meet at 9 a.m. and are open to non-members provided they sign the MTA online waiver.

If you have questions or something of interest for Trail Talk, email me, Patrick Capper, at [email protected].