Plants |
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wood betony |
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Wood betony (Pedicularis canadensis) is one of the first spring wildflowers on the prairie. It can be seen blooming in April through June in prairies and in open, upland woods. It is native to the eastern two-thirds of North America. In Minnesota it can be found throughout the state except in the northeast corner. The genus Pedicularis formerly belonged the family Scrophulariaceae (Figwort or Snapdragon). It has recently been reclassified into the family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape). Wood betony is a partially parasitic plant. It gets water and nutrients from the roots of grasses and possibly other plants. In the absence of suitable hosts it is capable of normal development. However, in the field it is rarely if ever found not parasitizing other plants. |
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Fungi |
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artist’s conk |
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Artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum) is a common and widespread bracket fungus. It is found in every state and province in North America. It usually found singly but may occur in small groups. It is perennial, so it can be seen year-round. It obtains its nutrients from decaying wood (saprobic). It occurs most often on dead stumps and fallen logs, but can also occur on the sides of injured trees (parasitic). Its distinguishing characteristics are it’s rough, furrowed, unvarnished upper surface, its cinnamon-colored flesh, and its white undersurface that turns brown instantly when bruised. This latter characteristic enables one to create intricate, fine-lined drawings on its surface, and gives the fungus its common name. |
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Insects and Spiders |
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common green darner |
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This large dragonfly is the most common darner in North America. It is found throughout Minnesota. It is usually seen perched vertically on vegetation or patrolling its territory about three feet above the ground. This is one of the few dragonfly species that migrates. Juveniles flock together in the fall and migrate south, following the north shore of Lake Superior for part of their route. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) migrate at the same time using the same route, and may use the darner migration as a food source during their migration. There is also a resident population that overwinters as larvae. The migrant population reproduces in the south and their offspring migrate north in the spring. (more about common green darner…) |
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Destinations |
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Lake Rebecca Park Reserve |
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This metro-area park is part of the Three Rivers Park District. It is 2,577 acres of the “big woods” maple-basswood forest that was found in south-central Minnesota at the time of Euro-American settlement. The dominant trees, in order of occurrence, are American Elm, American Basswood, Sugar Maple, Bur Oak, Ironwood, Northern Red Oak, and Quaking Aspen. trumpeter swans, the world’s largest waterfowl, are summer residents here. An observation area with an information kiosk has been created where these birds can be seen and not disturbed. Hikers have 15 miles of unpaved trails to explore, but share almost all of that with either mountain bikers or horseback riders. (more about Lake Rebecca Park Reserve…) |
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