Swan Rangers at the Swan River Oxbow Preserve kiosk. (Keith Hammer photos unless otherwise noted)
Thirteen Swan Rangers hiked The Nature Conservancy's Swan River Oxbow Reserve on Saturday, July 11, while one lone Ranger hiked to Sixmile Peak for a little more elevation and lung exercise!
While the wetlands trails didn't readily offer up any of the rare and threatened water howellia, they did offer up a variety of wonderful plant and tree species, seasoned with a healthy dose of mosquitos!
The Rangers first visited this pair of nature trails on February 28, vowing to return sans snow and high water!
At least one Swan Ranger is embarrased to report failing to identify this as death-camas, with its distinctive heart-shaped green glands on each of six petals - but at least he didn't try eating it!
Reed canary grass is an invasive species that threatens to choke out water howellia, other native vegetation, and even Swan Rangers!
The Rangers did see quite a few bog orchids . . .
. . . and caught a fleeting glimpse of a couple of black slugs speeding across the trail!
Spruce trees thrive in boggy areas and need only shallow roots to get enough water, but it makes them easier to blow over!
The Swan Valley, with its Swan River and wetland complexes, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species!
The lone Ranger sent this photo from Sixmile Peak and reports it was a "dry hike up, wet one down." (Ben Long photo)
The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 7:30, leaving at 8:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.
They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.
When hiking in bear country, remember to carry bear spray and avoid the 3-D's: dawn, dusk, and darkness.
Everyone is welcome!