Trout Creek Ecological Reserve Warden’s Report, Aug 2016

Ecological Reserve Warden Laurie Rockwell wrote this report after his recent trip to the Trout Creek ER.

• it was a warm 19c at 6am,with minimal breeze under a variable cloudy sky,ensuring that the sun was not too hot. The reserve was very dry and quiet.
• I heard (saw none) 6 species of expected forest birds; I did not expect to hear or see the blue-listed Gray Flycatcher and I was not disappointed.
• I saw only 2 insects, both small moths.
• the only sign of mammals was ‘Saskatoon berry’ bear scat and turned over stones as it foraged for food.
• needless to say,most plants are in seed; however, a few were in flower: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus; actually, there were more buds than flowers), Rabbit-bush (Ericameria nauseosa), Pasture Sage (Artemesia frigida), Long-leaved Daisy (Erigeron corymbosus), Douglas Knotweed (Polygonum douglasii), Snow Buckwheat (Erigonum niveum).
• I found 2 new plant species: Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaretacea). I found these plants by accident as I took a shorter route due to a sore knee. Regarding invasive plants, I found no Sulphur Cunquefoil (Potentilla recta), and only 1 Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa). Unfortunately, the Dalmation Toadflax (Linaria genistifolia) on the east slope,subject to bio-control, showed many flowers, while those on the south slope,also affected by bio-control,  showed few flowers; a conundrum for sure.
• there was no sign of human activity,
• the reserve next to the 12th green of the golf course is still being watered by the golf course. Also,the fence is being bent down by golfers seeking errant balls on the reserve.
• fence repairs outstanding.