Adams County's Not So Barren Barrens

There's few other habitats in our state that can make a botanist's ears perk up at their very mentioning quite like the barrens of Adams county.  These prairies and their intricate plant assemblages sit atop some of Ohio's oldest exposed bedrock and predate any of our state's other grassland habitats by a huge margin thanks to lying just beyond the reach of the last two glacial maximums.  This combined effort of the glacier's northern influence, the expansion of the West's tall grass prairies and the migration of southern flora from across the Ohio River collided into a melting pot of diversity and globally rare habitat.

Hanging prairie in Adams County

These specialized barrens also go by the name of cedar glades for their open, rocky, bare-soiled conditions accompanied by a scattering of stunted trees, typically red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).  Adams county's glades come in all shapes, sizes, and plant compositions with many shared attributes between them but no two exactly the same.  Even wandering a hundred yards through the woods between openings can result in two distinctly different flavors and communities if one is savvy in the local flora and has an eye for all things botanical.

Rattlesnake master growing in a xeric barrens opening of Adams county

Despite such a presumptuous title, these barrens are anything but when summer's warmer temperatures and long bouts of sunlight arrive and result in a spectacular explosion of wildflowers.  Many of the plants you're likely to make acquaintances with during a hike are not to be found many, if any other places in the entire state and combine to make Adams county have more rare species than just about any other county.  I believe only Lucas county in the Oak Openings region near Toledo can claim more.

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)

One of the most rare of summer's wildflowers to be found in the barrens of Adams county is the enchanting wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum).  The fire orange/red glow of these state endangered June blooming beauties are only known to inhabit a select few prairie openings anymore and with proper management will hopefully continue to light up their shade dappled margins for years to come.

Famed Lynx Prairie in mid July

Walking through these islands of rock and dirt with the crunch of desiccating vegetation and dolomite limestone gravel under boot, one can't help but wonder how such a lush array of vegetation can thrive, let alone survive in such a harsh environment.  Countless millennia of evolution and adaptation to this specific habitat niche has assuredly been the key but it's still hard to grasp just how resilient and tenacious life is in all its forms.

Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)

Scaly Blazing Star (Liatris squarrosa)

Resiliency truly is the name of the game for these prairie plants.  They have to endure harsh heat, drought, and sun exposure all while expending an immense portion of their energy reserves to flower and (hopefully) set to seed. Many prairie obligate species have come to battle such intense conditions by having coriaceous (rough, leathery) leaves like the short green milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) or very hairy leaves/stems like the scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa) which help prevent water loss.

American Bluehearts in situ

American Blueheart (Buchnera americana)

Of the nearly one hundred rare plants to call Adams county home, the delicate American bluehearts (Buchnera americana) may be my favorite of them all.  Years ago when I was just beginning to get into botany and dissect these barrens, I came across their purplish-blue flowers and for one reason or another was overly impressed by them and the charm has yet to wear off even after numerous meetings.

Juniper Hairstreak on Rattlesnake Master

Ohio has over 130 native species of butterfly in the state and much like the aforementioned bluehearts wildflower, you'd be hard pressed to find me a more captivating taxon than the juniper hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus).  They are tiny, skittish, and absolutely adorable when you can get a good look at the undersides of their wings.  As you may have guessed their host plant is the locally abundant red cedar and as such are a common sight out in the glades and barrens.

Lynx Prairie 

Profusion of Prairie Orange Coneflower

It's widely accepted that these precious ecosystem's current day existence is due to the burning regimes of the indigenous cultures as well as the geology and bedrock of the area.  This landscape has had eons of weathering and erosion occur without the replenishing effect of the glacier's till and sediment load.  Additionally, the region sits on the edge of the Appalachian Escarpment, bringing about a steep step in the land which helped create the region's exciting geologic formations.  All these factors have helped the prairies and barrens remain open and intact for tens of thousands of years.  The large expanses of exposed bedrock and thin soils take a forest a lot more time to encroach and envelope than Ohio's more traditional tall grass prairies over deep, rich till.

Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana)

Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)

It's not just the wildflowers that set summer ablaze in color but the early-ripening fruits as well.  Locally common small trees and shrubs such as the Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana), a native and welcome buckthorn, and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) are hard to miss when their branches are laden with their scarlet fruit.

Crested Coralroot (Hexalectris spicata)

On the less conspicuous side is perhaps the Bluegrass region's most peculiar summer wildflower in the crested coralroot (Hexalectris spicata).  This saprophytic orchid lives almost its entire life cycle underground and only surfaces to send up its flowering stalk maybe a few times per decade.  The crested coralroot relies entirely upon mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for nourishment as it completely lacks any chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize, hence the lack of any green color or leaves.

Great Spangled Fritillary on Purple Coneflower

Black Swallowtail

In addition to the previously shown juniper hairstreak, dozens upon dozens of other butterflies occur in excellent numbers with such a wide variety of host plants available.  The slower you walk and the more vigilant your eyes are, the more you're likely to encounter.  Even when out hiking people seem to be in too big a hurry to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures and complex cycles nature is exhibiting right under their noses.

Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve

Gazing out across the larger xeric dolomite barrens of Adams county, it can be hard to appreciate just how much differentiation and specific organization there is in each one.  Even subtle changes in the topography result in different drainage patterns and moisture gradients which allow for a diversification of plant species assemblages.

massive Allegheny mound ant mounds with clipboard for scale

Adams county's barrens and cedar glade's most unmistakable non-botanical residents are hands down the Allegheny mound ants.  These prolific builders create some of the largest earthen mound ant nests on the continent, which can reach upwards of four feet tall.  I have no idea how old or how long it took for the nests photographed to reach such a size but needless to say the phrase "Rome wasn't built in a day" applies here!  It seems to be a bit of a crap shoot which barrens or cedar glades has these ants and which ones don't, as I've yet to notice or catch on to any pattern.

Post Oak (Quercus stellata)

Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica)

Some prairies might be better described as oak barrens for the prevalence of species such as post oak (Quercus stellata) and the rare blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) rather than red cedars.  Unlike the bur, white, and post oaks out on the prairies of the till plains, the post and blackjacks of the barrens never get very big no matter their age; undoubtedly due to the harsh and restrictive growing conditions.

Climbing Milkweed (Matelea obliqua)

Downy Milk Pea (Galactia volubilis)

Weird and unusual plants are in no short supply with species like the climbing milkweed (Matelea obliqua).  Its flowers are reminiscent of the true milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) but with a strong dose of gamma radiation thrown in for mutative purposes.  The rare downy milk pea (Galactia volubilis) isn't particularly unusual as it is obscure. Its tiny pink flowers appear later in the summer on its trailing vine-like stems.

State-threatened wall-rue fern (Asplenium ruta-muraria)

Adams county's specialized geology and exposed dolomite limestone bedrock has a great deal to do with the plant life that occurs within the region.  Many calcareous and lime-loving epilithic species such as the state-threatened wall rue fern (Asplenium ruta-muraria) grow on suitable rock faces and boulders.

Tall Larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum)

I could easily go on forever sharing the floral wonders of these richly diverse natural treasures and have probably already gabbed for too long so I'll end it with one more of my favorite summer barrens bloomers.  Tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) is one of the region's most regal prairie bloomer during summer's peak.  It's quite rare throughout the entirety of its largely Appalachian range and despite being arguably almost a weed in some select sites just a wee bit north of the Ohio River, tall larkspur has never been known or recorded from Kentucky.  Hard to believe it hasn't popped up somewhere in Kentucky's river county's similar limestone barrens and woods.

I unfortunately had very little time this past summer to get down and immerse myself is these beloved places and missed out on a lot of my favorite and most anxiously anticipated wildflower events.  That being said it was fun to reminisce and vicariously experience a whole summer of bloomers on this post from summers past to pass for the experience this season.  There's always next year right?

Ohio Ornithological Sociey Invades Shawnee State Forest

Phenomenal!  That is the one word your blogger would use to describe this past weekend in Shawnee State Forest with the Ohio Ornithological Society.  Three long but incredibly fun days down in the hills and hollers of southern Ohio full of birds, botany, and camaraderie has left me mentally and physically exhausted but sore joints and a frazzled mind full of memories has never felt so good!  I may be a "weed picker" (an affectionate name birders call us botanists) but I felt right at home and as close to my adopted birding family as I do with my typical plant people. The event itself was a whirlwind of activity and action I won't soon forget.

Being a guide and wanting to dedicate my time, energy, and focus on the needs and wants of my group, I decided to leave my camera in its bag over the weekend and was so preoccupied and engaged with my binoculars and educational moments, I didn't even utilize my phone's camera much at all either.  So very few photos of mine are in this post but I'd still love to fill you in on the details as well as share photos of some choice birds we all got to "ooh" and "ahh" over.

A very special thanks to the immensely talented and well-known Ohioan avian photographer Brian Zwiebel for allowing me to use his spectacular photos to properly illustrate just how breathtaking some of the feathered finds we made were.  You can find out and view more of Brian's work at his website Sabrewing Nature Tours and I most certainly recommend that you do.

View across the rolling hills of southern Ohio from a dolomite limestone bluff on a rainy morning

I awoke early Friday morning to the soft pitter-patter of rain on the roof of my cabin and hoped it wasn't a sign of things to come for the weekend.  As luck would have it, the rain pushed out by the afternoon and there was hardly a cloud in the sky for the rest of the weekend.  With field trips taking place on Saturday and Sunday, I wanted to get out and see what flora I could find in halfway decent shape to share with my group.  Unfortunately, things have been slow to awaken this spring with wildflowers about a week and a half or so behind.  None of the typical orchids and very few wildflowers normally exhibiting their striking colors and patterns were in bloom which made for a moment of disappointment initially.  In a way this ended up being all for the best as it allowed myself to really get lost in my binoculars and focus on my avian friends for a welcome change.  And boy did that end up being worth it!

Five in the morning on Saturday came all too soon but greeted the conference with a crystal clear sky filled with a seemingly infinite parade of stars twinkling in the predawn darkness.  A thin waning crescent moon slowly sank on the western horizon as the intriguing whip-poor-wills gave off their last calls of the night.  The sun was just beginning to pierce the highest ridges as my group piled into our van for a day full of exploration and adventure in the depths of Shawnee and nearby Edge of Appalachia.  I was fortunate to have the very knowledgeable and accomplished Andy Jones from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as my co-leader and vital bird expert.  I'm not too shabby when it comes to my birds but Andy's understanding of not only identification but life history and biology as well was a crucial and much needed addition to the group.

Speaking of my group, I've had the pleasure of leading fantastic groups in the past and Andy and I's for the O.O.S. conference was no different.  Their passion for the natural world was as palpable as their hunger and drive to delve into what Shawnee had to offer.  I rarely get to be surrounded by so many people who share a like-minded approach and appreciation for nature and I wouldn't hesitate to say we all fed off one another's energy and good vibes.

The cool, misty morning took a while to warm up but once it did, it was like someone flicked a switch and the birds came out in full force.  The songs and calls of dozens of different species of returning tropical migrants saturated the air and was music to everyone's ears after suffering through such a trying and burdening winter.

Black-and-White Warbler (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Our group slowly made our way from the moist, steep-sloped valleys to the oak dominated dry ridgetops with the birds changing as much as the plants as we ascended.  The moist, cold air hung heavy and had covered the blooms of redbuds, flowering dogwoods, and wild plums in dew but that quickly burned off as the sun rose higher into the sky.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

As I previously mentioned, the lack of my camera's presence was one of the best decisions of the weekend as it left my hands free to hold my binoculars up to my eyes and take in the early morning light's beauty, especially when it framed the bright colors of a passing warbler or scarlet tanager.

American Redstart (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

I'm always pleasantly surprised come spring when I find out I managed to retain more bird characteristics and song patterns than I thought would survive the winter.  Shaking off the rust is a must but I've long figured if I can recall and identify well over 1,000 species of vascular plants then a couple hundred birds should't be too hateful, right?  I think this speaks volumes for my ornithology professor Bob Scott Placier at Hocking College, as his tutelage and teaching methods really helped me grasp and understand the subject.

Black-throated Green Warbler (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

One of my favorite Shawnee forest denizens is the charming black-throated green warbler.  Its high-pitched, relatively short song echoes from the hemlocks and valley slopes with a unmistakable zee zee zee za-zee.  It's absolutely incredible to think this tiny little bird flew thousands upon thousands of miles all the way down to Central and South America only to fly back some months later for another chance at perpetuating its species.

Blue-headed Vireo (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

It wasn't just warblers, even though there are plenty more to come.  Some interesting and often unnoticed songsters of the spring like this blue-headed vireo were a welcome addition to our species list for the weekend that topped out at nearly 70 different birds.  The conference as a whole when pooled together saw well over 120 species!  Not too shabby for a couple days in more or less one area.

Cerulean Warbler (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Easily one of, if not the most requested bird by the conference's attendees was the increasingly more and more rare cerulean warbler.  This small, iridescent blue bird is the official mascot of the O.O.S. and one of the fastest disappearing and declining species of wood warbler in North America.  This is due in large part to both logging activites and forest fragmentation in its breeding grounds here in Eastern North America as well as its tropical over-wintering grounds being deforested and turned into sun coffee plantations.  It's of the utmost importance we protect both its breeding and over-wintering grounds if we want to slow the free fall this beautiful little bird is in.  However, walking through the upper slopes of mixed oak canopy in Shawnee, you'd never guess this bird is disappearing at such an alarming rate as this area of southern Ohio is arguably one of the best remaining regions on the entire continent to still see this charmer in good numbers.

Throughout the day my group continued to have good luck with sightings like male and female scarlet tanager, yellow-throated vireo, Louisiana water thrush, wood thrush, ovenbird, prairie warbler, and indigo bunting to name but a few, however one particular bird at the end of the day was the cherry on top.

Henslow's Sparrow (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

The Henslow's sparrow is another Ohio resident bird who's numbers are declining throughout the region due to habitat maturation/loss and human activity.  These shy, seldom seen birds need large, unfragmented tracts of grassland with just the right amount of woody vegetation present.  Early haying activities leads to nest/chick mortality and natural succession can quickly turn an unmanaged and suitable open habitat into an unusable thicket and young forest.   As luck would have it, we timed our arrival to one of their few known sites just right and managed to catch a rare and unforgettable uninhibited look at one.  It's not very often they leave the safety of the ground and its camouflaging brush.  This was a life species for many in the group and seeing their beaming faces behind their binoculars was as much as a leader could hope to see.

A rescued/rehabbed female American Kestrel

A real treat for me was the chance at an up close and personal viewing of one of my all-time favorite birds in this American kestrel.  The Shawnee state park naturalist was kind enough to display this rescued/rehabbed female for those interested and I couldn't resist taking such a gorgeous animal's photo.  Originating from western Ohio's land of agriculture, you were hard pressed to not see these aerobatic birds of prey perched on a fence row or power line out on the country roads.

Sunday dawned as clear and beautiful as Saturday and found myself and another esteemed and knowledgeable birder in Bird Watcher Digest's assistant editor, Kyle Carlsen camped out in a particular spot in Shawnee to help guide passing solo birders and vans to what exciting species we were hearing and/or seeing in our area.

Worm-eating Warbler  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Once again the morning started off a bit slow until the air temperatures had warmed from the sun and the insects began moving which in turn caused the birds to move and feed as well.  One of the better highlights of the day was viewing two male worm-eating warblers in an intense battle over potential territory rights.  Don't let their name fool you though, they don't actually utilize worms as a food source but are rather voracious hunters of caterpillars and insects instead.

Red-breasted Nuthatch  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

A rather surprising find for the morning was a red-breasted nuthatch still hanging around southern Ohio.  These little curiosities typically over-winter at our latitude before returning to their breeding grounds further north.  I guess this one decided to stick around and get a late start on its annual journey.

Yellow-rumped Warbler  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Another over-wintering bird still hanging around Shawnee in decent numbers was the quaint yellow-rumped warbler.  Most people associate warblers as migratory birds that would be fools to spend their winters in Ohio, battling the cold, harsh conditions but these little birds do just fine and move on further north once the weather makes a turn for the better.

Kentucky Warbler  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Of the 18 or so species of warbler I personally saw and/or heard over the weekend, the Kentucky warbler was one of my favorites.  This species is more often heard than seen as it prefers to stay hidden among the thickets and brush of the forest floor where it builds its nest.  Its song is excruciatingly similar to the more common Carolina wren and is something I have yet to learn to adequately differentiate.  Getting your binoculars on one leaves no doubts!

Chestnut-sided Warbler  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Another warbler?  You betcha!  Warblers are hands down one of the most popular and anticipated of spring's returning migrants for their diversity in numbers, colors, and patterns.  This particular species was one of the most exciting finds of the weekend and a species I'd never seen before in my life!  The chestnut-sided warbler is accurately named for the rich brown markings along its side and is capped with a crown of gold.  Kyle's sharp eyes certainly paid off in spotting this bird but this last one was definitely THE find of the weekend, at least in my opinion.

Blackburnian Warbler  (photo credit: Brian Zwiebel  www.sabrewingtours.com)

Right at the same time and in the same tree as the chestnut-sided warbler was another remarkable species that makes just about any other warbler I saw this weekend look tame.  This is the gorgeous Blackburnian warbler, a species that only breeds in a select few spots in northern Ohio and was passing through this area on its way north. The fact we happened to catch one of these in their fleeting moments in southern Ohio was unreal and kept my eyes glued to the binoculars with an unwavering attention span.  If this little fellow doesn't get you excited about birds and just how spectacular they can be, I really don't know what would...

In the end my weekend spent with well over 100 birders and fellow outdoors enthusiasts in one of the most diverse and mesmerizing natural areas in the entire state was a time I won't soon forget.  It was the perfect way to welcome in spring even if it is lagging behind a bit in the plant department.  More new birds are arriving each and every day and before too long the woods will be at full strength with the next generation of our winged friends well on their way.  I can't thank the Ohio Ornithological Society enough for asking me to help out and be a contributing member to such an important and memorable event.  I could never thank everyone that deserves a shout out but special mention to Jason Larson and Bill Thompson for their support, company, and guidance over the weekend.  Additional thanks to Andy Jones and Kyle Carlsen for their expertise and sharp eyes out in the field as well.  I look forward to being a part of more O.O.S. events in the future and must say this spring and summer will find me with my binoculars around my neck much more often than I typically would.  These guys will make a serious birder out of this botanist yet!  Special thanks again to Brian Zwiebel for graciously letting me use his phenomenal bird photographs that I could never begin to imagine producing on my own.  Hope everyone had an amazing time and look forward to seeing you all again!

OOS 10th Anniversary Conference in Shawnee State Forest

Spring has finally arrived and it's never too early (or late) to begin planning out how you want to spend it!  If you regularly read this blog then you have surely noticed how much time I spend in the hills and hollers of Ohio's southern-most counties of Adams and Scioto and it's no coincidence.  These two counties combine to be one of, if not the most biologically diverse area in our state and harbor many rare species of flora and fauna within.  From the limestone outcrops and cedar glades of the Edge of Appalachia preserve system to the continuous rolling forests of nearby Shawnee State Forest, you never know know what is in store for your eyes, ears, and cameras.

Shawnee State Forest in spring's full bloom

To coincide with extreme southern Ohio's dizzying diversity of plant and animal life come spring, the Ohio Ornithological Society has decided to return to the depths of Shawnee for its 10th annual conference on the weekend of April 25-27.  This phenomenal event draws birders, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the state and beyond to experience the luscious landscape of Shawnee and the Edge flush with returning migrating birds and spring wildflowers.  If the sound of this happens to peak your interest, and I think it might if you're still reading up to this point, then I suggest checking things out HERE and marking your calendars for the last weekend in April!

Prairie Warbler, just one of around 20 species of warbler in the area

Normally this time of year would have me plugging and encouraging readers to check out the acclaimed annual spring wildflower event Flora-Quest that takes place in Shawnee and on the Edge.  Due to the near simultaneous nature of the OOS event, Flora-Quest is doing something a bit different this May on the complete other end of state up along Lake Erie.  You can find more information HERE.

That being said, I am very happy and pleased to say that I will be reprising my role as a field trip leader/guide (usually for Flora-Quest) for the OOS event instead! My group will be out and about deep in the forests of Shawnee to see what birds and botany we can stir up.  No worries, while I know my birds better than most folks might assume a plant-geek would, we will have an accomplished and knowledgeable birder on hand in co-leader/guide Andy Jones.  To see an agenda for the programs and field trips click HERE.

Spring wildflowers waking up in a hanging prairie on the Edge

Hopefully we will see warmer temperatures finally arrive and stick around all April in order to have the typical menagerie of spring wildflowers coloring up the area's forests and prairies.  The combined botanical diversity of the Edge and Shawnee results in well over 1,000 native plant species and some plant assemblages seen nowhere else in the entire state.  The birding is on par with the plants too as over 100 species are known to nest here with rarities and curiosities like the Kentucky, Cerulean, and Worm-eating warbler, Chuck-will's-widow, blue grosbeak, red-headed woodpecker, and wild turkey calling the undulating hills of the "Little Smokies" home.

Fragrant blooms of a wild plum (Prunus spp.)

The conference is a wonderful collaboration on many people's parts from the field trips to the programs and presentations that go on throughout the weekend.  Honestly, the best thing about these kinds of events are the friends, camaraderie, and memories made over weekend with 200+ like-minded people who have a thirst and passion for the natural world.  I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new faces alike and encourage any of my readers to seek me out and personally introduce yourself!

Having done Flora-Quest for three consecutive years and spent countless days exploring the region from spring to fall, I think I can say with some authority just how mesmerizing this area of the state truly is.  I could not encourage anyone more to check out the event and website and seriously consider making yourself a participating member of what is sure to be one of the best weekends this spring!

Register Now: Flora-Quest 2013

Spring is already just around the corner and it's never too early to begin planning on how you want to spend it!  If you regularly read this blog you've surely noticed how much time I spend in the hills and hollers of Ohio's southern-most counties of Adams and Scioto.  It's no coincidence!  These two counties combine to be the most botanically diverse in our state and harbor many rare and fascinating flora (and fauna) you won't see anywhere else in the state!  From the limestone outcrops and cedar barrens of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve system to the continuous rolling forests of nearby Shawnee State Forest, you never know what's in store for your eyes, ears, and cameras!

How could you go wrong spending a weekend during the peak of spring activity with some of Ohio's most knowledgeable and passionate naturalists, birders, botanists, lepidopterists, entomologists etc. guiding you through the endless flora and fauna of these areas?  You can't!  So check your calendars and circle the weekend of May 3-5 for Flora-Quest!  This annual event takes place in the lodge and conference center deep in Shawnee state forest where you will be immersed in the diversity and history of the area by those who know it best!  I highly encourage you to peruse the Flora-Quest website for more information on events, trips, accommodations, guides, speakers etc.  Yours truly is a guide again this year and will be teamed up with well-renowned nature photographer Ian Adams for an experience in nature through the view of a camera lens.

There are plenty of other trips to choose from with out-of-this-world guides!  I know many of them personally and can guarantee an unforgettable time.  There are no wrong choices and each quest offers a unique experience with plenty of highlights and surprises.  Be sure to register soon though, as the more popular quests fill up quick.  I have attended this event two years running now and could not be more excited for my third installment; especially since being asked back as a trip leader!  A two-part blog post on last year's Flora-Quest can be found by clicking this link here for part one and here for part two.

To cap off this advertisement for what will surely be the most fun weekend you'll have this spring, here are some photographs that I think best capture what wildflowers, critters, and sights potentially await you at Flora-Quest 2013.  I hope you will check this event out further and give attending some serious thought!  I promise a great time, rain or shine!  The wildflowers, warblers, and smiles will hardly be in short supply!

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Each edition of Flora-Quest has a plant species that acts as that year's sponsor.   Event organizers Cheryl Harner and Paula Harper asked me to help come up with the plant species (preferably a woody one this time around) that would grace the promotional card of the event this year.  I decided on the rare and intriguing fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) as the best one for the job.  It's a chance to showcase a relatively unknown species of tree that I found absolutely stunning for the brief moments it's in full flower.  Fingers crossed it will be making its prime appearance during early May this year!

Indigo Bunting

If the plant lovers are the primary draw to Flora-Quest, then the birders are a close second.  With Shawnee and the Edge of Appalachia at your doorstep you will not be disappointed in the diversity of returning migrants showing off their breeding plumage.

Rose Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum)

As you slowly drive down the roads in Shawnee state forest with your groups you would be hard pressed not to notice the magnificent displays of the rose azaleas (Rhododendron prinophyllum) out your windows.  You will hardly be the only creature interested in their aroma and beauty; these shrubs are constantly abuzz with bees and other pollinating insects.

Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens)

The real attraction and excitement that surrounds Flora-Quest for many is the promise of orchids.  Just about everyone will get the chance to lay their eyes on some of the lady's slippers, such as the large yellows featured above.  Several other orchids await those who come along for the ride!

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)

It's not just all plants!  You will have many chances to see a whole slew of critters that call the forests and prairies home.  Frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, salamanders...you just never know what will hop, jump, or slither past your group!

Prairie Warbler

If you love wildflowers then you're sure to love the "wildflowers" of the sky.  The warblers are one of the biggest draws for Flora-Quest and the list is long on what you may see.  Cerulean, worm-eating, prairie (shown above), Kentucky, and hooded warblers are just a handful of the ones that may get checked off your list.

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Those on trips into rich, mesic woods may luck into seeing one of the most beautiful of spring's wildflowers, the columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).  They look like they belong in some exotic garden of places far away but instead call Ohio home.

Wherry's Pink Catchfly (Silene caroliniana var. wherryi)

Another striking wildflower that some groups may luck into seeing is the charming wild pink or Wherry's catchfly (Silene caroliniana var. wherryi).  This is normally a staple for a group or two's Flora-Quest experience but with the warming temperatures and faster springs it had already flowered and set to seed by the time of early May last year.

Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)

Groups that explore and wade the cool, trickling streams in the shaded depths of Shawnee are sure to find these little guys by the handfuls.  Southern two-lined salamanders are very common under logs and rocks in small, slow-moving streams throughout southern Ohio.  I love the ticklish feel as they move across your hand.

Group of tiger swallowtails puddling

Butterfly admirers will not be disappointed either as the diversity in this area does not fall short in the insect order of Lepidoptera.  Regardless of what quest you're on you are sure to bump into some of these guys in one form or another.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Last but not least is the common and lovely flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) that is always putting on an amazing show come Flora-Quest.  It's just not spring in Ohio without their showy white bracts gracing the blue skies and greening trees.

Honestly the best thing about Flora-Quest is the friends, camaraderie, and memories made over the weekend.  I am looking forward to reuniting with old friends and meeting news faces!  If you attend and we have not met personally before please introduce yourself!  I hope to see you all there! :)