A Sedge

Yesterday, I was traveling to be with students at a state competition and stopped near Charleston, WV at a roadside waterfall. I was really looking for a geocache because it still is a little early for any wildflowers (woke up to a couple of inches of new snow today). But, as usual I was scanning the area for any possibility. The elevation was only 850 feet as oppose to the 3000+ where I live and Daffodils were blooming in the area. On a wet cliff below the waterfall, I saw the following Sedge; I thought it it may be Long Stalked Sedge, but after  the owner of the blog , "The Natural Treasures of Ohio" chimed in, I believe he is correct in identifying it as Plantain-leaf sedge, Carex plantaginea , an early blooming Sedge with the unusual lower fringes that I had not seen before. So, I continue to photograph and identify as many of West Virginians wildflowers as possible. Last year, I found 308; all in one calendar year, so this Sedge makes # 309 for this blog.

                                                      # 309-  Plantain-leaf sedge, Carex plantaginea

Another view that better shows those wide, deeply veined leaves.

Morels - Not

On this date , March 26, in 2012 I found the first Morel of the season.

Morel or locally-Molly Moocher

 I keep records so I can make educated guesses as when to begin looking. 

That was an unusually warm winter and early spring. 

March Snowstorm

There is nothing early about this winter. We went to bed last night expecting less than an inch of overnight snow but ended up with six inches. 

School was canceled, and the grandkids decided to come over for one last sleigh ride of the season. Snow was melting quickly and we really are supposed to be flying kites, not riding sleds and snow boards. So why not both?

It is March, so kites are required

More Signs of Spring

Even though two snow events are predicted this week and some days with highs in the 30's, there are more signs of spring. Temperatures were high enough to do yard work with a grandsons help and to spot the first Colts Foot and a Honey Bee working Crocuses.

Colts Foot 

Honey Bee on Crocus 

Spring- Almost- I Thought

Grand kids are all practicing baseball or softball, so today while one practiced at the Grandview section of  the New River Gorge National River, two others and I went on a short hike in upper 50's tempertures. Even though it is several weeks before the first wildflowers, I found myself scanning. The overlook was great today and at home I saw the first crocuses. 

         

  I also heard the first 'Spring Peepers.' These may be Wood Frogs, having just emerged from logs and stumps after a minimum numbers of  warm enough days. They gather at ephemeral water holes to make war and love. Their story is fascinating as is much of the natural world. Find and read George Constantz's Hollows, Peepers and Highlanders for a look at West Virginia's natural wonders.

       Whoa, whats that, we're under a winter weather advisory? Five inches of snow and 25 degree temperatures for the next few nights? Well, Spring can't be stopped, it is almost here, and I need to reread that book anyways....