Challenge 5 - Blooming Buds

Spring is well on its way, with plenty of green things popping up from the ground and starting to unfurl from trees. But, before leaves fill the canopies of our forests again, there are some plants on the forest floor taking in as much sun as possible in the narrow window between the frost abating and the trees above them shading the forests once again. Spring ephemerals are unique flowers found in the early spring, providing some of the earliest food for pollinators in the narrow window they're out in their full glory.

Our fifth and final challenge is optional, as it is not applicable to all of Ontario, and not all of you may have access to a well-established forest where spring ephemerals tend to thrive. Envirothon teams are challenged with finding and identifying 10 spring ephemerals. This can include but is not limited to, trilliums, Trout Lilies, Early Blue Cohosh, Bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, Spring Beauty, and others.

If you are unable to go into a forest that may have ephemerals, you are challenged to find 10 flowering plants. Some things to keep under consideration;

  • No garden plants. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses are generally cultivated, and thus will not be included in the project.
  • Take 3 photos of every plant you wish to identify. This is to aid in the identification of the plant by other naturalists. Include a photo of the whole plant, the flower or flowering structure, and the leaves if visible.
  • If you are unsure of what you have observed, post it with the broadest category you are confident in. While iNaturalist is good at identifying plants, you should try to determine what the flowers are yourself.

Some resources that may assist you in your flower identification adventures:

This week's challenge has been sponsored by HHH.

GOALS

Envirothon Teams
As a team, collectively make 10 observations of any spring ephemeral or wildflower. Each observation must have 3 notes on why you have identified it as such. Garden plants will not be included

Individual Participants
Individually, make 5 observations of any spring ephemeral or wildflower. Each observation must have 3 notes on why you have identified it as such.

Julkaistu huhtikuu 27, 2021 06:36 IP. käyttäjältä braymade braymade

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