A Field Guide

A FIELD GUIDE flora and fauna of terra nova

FORAGING 101 This park has been designed to promote harvesting of native species while protecting the foraging areas for local species. Harvest only enough for yourself, so other people and creatures, can forage as well.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you know exactly what you are picking and how to prepare it to avoid sickness. Hopefully this guide will help with that process.

There is a lot we can learn through plants, especially their cultural significance and use by the First Nations people who used this park as a seasonal harvesting ground. Learning through plants allows one to read the landscape in a new way and better understand not only the past relationships with the land, but also the potential of the land sustaining us.

Don’t forget: - A basket or container - A small knife or sissors

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“If you trust in Nature, in the small things that hardly anyone sees and that can so suddenly become huge, immeasurable; if you have this love for what is humble and try very simply, as someone who serves, to win the confidence of what seems poor: then everything will become easier for you, more coherent and somehow more reconciling, not in your conscious mind perhaps, which stays behind, astonished, but in your innermost awareness, awakeness, and knowledge.”

-Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

“All I’m saying is that there is also drama in every bush, if you can see it, when enough men know this, we need fear no indifference to the welfare of bushes, or birds, or soil, or trees. We shall then have no need of the word ‘conservation’, for we will have the thing itself.”

-Aldo Leopold, 1999

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ELEVATION - MEDIUM

ELEVATION - HIGH

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ELEVATION - LOW

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A LAYERED LANDSCAPE Terra Nova is a landscape with many existing systems at play. The land is rich with a history of sustenance and life. This land has supported both humans and wildlife from seasonal foraging and fishing to agricultural pursuits, wildlife management planning, and barn owl nesting.

The foraging park has been designed to maximize these potentials as well as create a space for people to actively engage with the landscape and recognize the changing nature of plants and their ability to not only supply us with food, but teach us how wildlife also engages with their environment.

By learning to identify these common species, hopefully you will be able to apply this knowledge outside the park. Through identification, you will be able to associate certain plants and animals with ecological values and broaden your knowledge on the many native plants of this region, many of which are also delicious and nutritious!

FLORA

CANOPY

UNDERSTORY

SHRUB HERBACEOUS 6

This book is organized into two sections; the first section focuses on the flora and the second section focuses on the fauna.

The flora section is organized via the vertical positioning of each species, seen in the section below. The bars at the top and bottom of each page references back to this diagram.

The fauna section is also organized through vertical means and the bars on each page reference back to the colour schemes on the diagram.

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RED ALDER - Alnus rubra identify: Deciduous, up to 25 meters tall with thin grey, smooth bark, often with white patches of lichens.

Alternate leaves, clusters of brownish cones that remain on the tree over winter.

ecology: Moist woods, disturbed landscapes. Many birds species nest and rely on this tree as a food source.

Foraging through pine cones - attracts both insects and birds. Alder seeds eaten by deer mice.

notes: Roots on the red alder form nodules through filamentous bacteria. These bacteria remove nitrogen from the air and ‘fix’ it to the roots, making it useful to the alder, as well as other plants that grow in the same soils. Because of this Alder forests usually have a rich understory of grasses, sedges, and ferns.

Red alder wood is the best possible fuel for cooking salmon, or other types of fish.

Alder was also used for making feast bowls, masks, rattles, as well as dye. The inner bark of the red alder was eaten by northwest coast peoples, and was highly valued for its medicinal qualities.

Traditional Salmon smoking technique with alder smoke and using alder to hold the fish 8

BIG LEAF MAPLE - Acer macrophyllum identify: Large, often multi-stemmed, can grow up to 35m tall. The bark is green and smooth when young, while older bark is brown, ridged, and covered with mosses. Opposite, deciduous 5-lobed leaves.

ecology: Seeds that remain on the tree into winter are eaten by songbirds and small mammals. Early spring flowers are a great nectar source. Birds love to perch and nest within the broad network of branches.

notes: Maple flowers are sweet and can be used in salads and its sap can be made into syrup.

Carries mosses so thick that they form their own ‘soil’ on the bark and tree roots can spout and grow.

The seeds decend like mini helicopters, increasing their dispersal.

The Saanich used preparations from the maple to make an internal medicine and to treat sore throats.

It was also used to make paddles to accompany canoes. Bigleaf maple is also called the “paddle tree” in a several First Nation’s languages.

Cutting this tree actually increases growth, and sprouts can grow over 3 m tall in a single year.

Coast Salish big-leaf maple paddle.

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BLACK COTTONWOOD - Populus balsamifera identify: Large, deciduous, up to 50m tall. Leaves are alternate, thick, oval, with rounded to heart-shaped base. Fruits are green, hairy capsules that split when ripe. Seeds are covered in white fluffy hairs.

ecology: Moist to wet sites. Dead snags good for cavity nesters and foraging. Provides food and cover for birds (especially red listed species). Insects also reside in the bark.

notes: Nuxalk/Kwakwaka’wakw/Halq’emeylem/Stl’atl’imx: The sweet inner bark and cambium tissues were eaten in late spring and early summer immediately after they were harvested so they would not ferment.

Hesquiat/Nuu-cha-nulth/Ditidaht: The buds were picked in the spring, boiled in deer fat to make a fragrant salve, which was molded in the bulbous float of bull kelp Nuxalk: The gum from the buds was used to treat baldness, sore throats, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. The buds were used as a poultice for lung pains. The old leaves were also boiled in a bath for body pains, rheumatism and stomach trouble.

Stl’atl’imx/Tahlan: Used as fuel to smoke fish.

Also thought of as an antiseptic plant and placed bruised leaves on cuts and made an infusion from the bark for sore throats.

Also plant fibers were used for spinning. The aromatic gum from the spring buds was used to waterproof baskets and boxes.

Bees collect the resin, which is an anti-infectant, for their hives and seal intruders (such as mice) in the resin to prevent decay and protect the hive.

Strong fragrance (sweet, balsalmic) in spring and early summer.

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DOUGLAS FIR - Pseudotsuga menziesii identify: Large, to 70m tall, branches spreading to drooping.

Bark is very thick, fluted, ridged, and dark brown.

Flat needles 2-3cm, spirally arranged, sharp buds.

Pollen cones are small, reddish-brown.

ecology: Likes areas affected by previous fires.

Birds and small mammals eat the seeds produced by the tree. Well used by insects.

notes: The wood and bark was thought by most of the coastal groups to be an excellent fuel, although it had the reputation of throwing sparks.

Wood was also used to make items such as spear handles, harpoon shafts, spoons, dip-net poles, harpoon barbs, fire tongs, salmon weirs, caskets and halibut/ cod hooks. Its pitch was used for sealing joints of implements such as harpoon heads, gaffs and fishhooks, and for caulking canoes and water vessels. The same pitch was also used as a medicinal salve for wounds and skin irritations.

The Comox people prepared dogfish by stuffing it with rotten, powdered douglas-fir and burying the fish in a pit lined with the same material.

Harpoons made with douglas-fir.

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PACIFIC DOGWOOD - Cornus nuttallii identify: Much branched, irregular trees up to 20m tall.

Leaves are opposite, deciduous, oval, turn pink-red in fall with ‘dogwood veins’ parallel to the leaf edge.

Flowers are pale green with purple tips.

ecology: Foraging for birds and animals.

Great for butterflies and provides nectar for pollinating insects.

notes: Used for bows, arrows, handles, and clothing hooks.

Bark preparations were made as a blood purifier, a lung strengthener, or as a treatment for stomach troubles.

BLACK HAWTHORN - Crataegus douglasii identify: Large shrubs or small trees to 10m tall, thorns 3cm long, with a bark that is grey, rough and scaly.

Leaves are deciduous, thick, leathery, oval, pale underside. Flowers are white, stinky, about 1 cm.

ecology: Foraging for birds and animals.

Great for butterflies and provides nectar for pollinating insects.

notes: The thorns were used for prongs, lances for probing skin blisters and boils, piercing ears, fish hooks, and playing pieces for games. The wood is very hard and was used for tool handles and weapons. It was also used to treat venereal disease, thin the blood, stregnthen the heart, or reduce swellings, and it was used in steam baths.

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PACIFIC WILLOW - Salix lasiandra identify: Tall, slender shub or tree 12m tall. Twigs are glossy, with yellow, duck-bill shaped buds. Bark fissured, yellow-ish brown on older trees. Leaves are alternate deciduous, lance-shaped, margins finely toothed.

ecology: River banks, floodplains, wet meadows.

Attracts squirrels, birds, butterflies, and bees.

notes: The first peoples of Cascadia built summer fishing and hunting huts along marshes and streams by placing freshly cut Willow in circles. The willow would root and grow into a shelter and hunting blind. Today, some wonderful garden trellis have been erected using live willow.

A woven willow structure in Oregon.

During the fall, the branches of the pacific willow turn a bright orange color.

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BITTER CHERRY - Populus balsamifera identify: Large, deciduous, up to 50m tall. Leaves are alternate, thick, oval, with rounded to heart-shaped base. Fruits are green, hairy capsules that split when ripe. Seeds are covered in white fluffy hairs.

ecology: Foraging for birds and also great for butterflies.

Downed trees make great habitat for insects, amphibians, and small mammals (if bark persists).

notes: The tough stringy bark was peeled off in spiral strips/sheets and used for decorative overlay for coiled cedar-root baskets, and for wrapping the joints of harpoons and arrows, and the hafts of bows. Such joints were covered with pitch to make them waterproof and strong.

PIN CHERRY - Pseudotsuga menziesii identify: Shrub to small tree, can grow to 12m tall. Leaves are oval to narrow-shaped, gradually shaping to a sharp tip. Small white flowers, in clusters of 5-7.

Small, bright, round, red berries 5mm in diameter.

ecology: Found in moist Found in moist open forests/ clearings, occurs after disturbances.

Dry to moist, sandy loam soils.

notes: Pin cherries were eaten by several groups of First Nations peoples, depending on their surroundings, but the cherries did not dry well. Because the berries are a favourite of many birds, it is often difficult to find ripe fruit on the trees.

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PACIFIC CRABAPPLE - Pseudotsuga menziesii identify: Shrubs or small tree, 2-12m tall, armed with sharp spur-shoots. Leaves are alternate, deciduous, lance to egg-shaped, pointed at the end, toothed with irregular lobes. White to pink blossoms.

ecology: Has persistent fruits going until October, that are also edible for people.

Blossoms attract insect pollinators.

notes: Eaten fresh or stored under water, or with a mixture of water and oil. They become softer and sweeter over time. The bark was used for medicinal treatments for the eyes and digestive tracts (but has cyanide-producing compounds and should be used with caution).

KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR: Song Sparrow Song sparrows flit through dense, low vegetation or low branches, occasionally moving onto open ground after food. Flights are short and fluttering, with a characteristic downward pumping of the tail. Male song sparrows sing from exposed perches such as small trees.

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THIMBLEBERRY - Rubus parviflorus identify: Erect, unarmed, 0.5-3m tall, dense thickets. Leaves are alternate, deciduous, large, soft, maple-shaped, 3-7 lobed. Large white flowers that are crinkles.

Shallowly domed red, hairy berries.

ecology: Open sites or open forest (look for near red alders) Attracts butterflies and birds.

notes: They were eaten by all Northwest Coast people. Nuu-chahnulth were known to collect shoots in bulk and eaten raw.

The Kwakwaka’wakw collected them when they were hard and pink and stored them until ripe in cedar-bark bags.

TIP: The broad, maple-like leaves can be fashioned easility into a make shift berry container.

OREGON GRAPE - Mahonia nervosa identify: Erect, evergreen, stiff-branched shrub, leaves similar to holly; bark and wood yellowish. Leaves are clustered, long, alternate, somewhat shiny. Bright yellow flowers, blue berries.

ecology: Dry to fairly moist, open to closed forests at low to middle elevations. Flowers early to provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

notes: The tart berries were consumed by northwest coast peoples, however not in large quantities. They were often mixed with salal or some other sweeter fruit. Today, they are used for jelly, and even wine. The bark was also used to make a yellow dye.

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SALMONBERRY - Rubus spectabilis identify: Largely unarmed, branching up to 4m tall, often forming dense thickets. Leaves are alternate deciduous, usually with 3 leaflets, sharply toothed.

Flowers are pink to red-ish purple, large.

ecology: Moist to wet places, disturbed sites. Provides nesting and foraging habitat for birds.

Flowers early to provide nectar for hummingbirds.

notes: Both sprouts and berries can be eaten. The young stem sprouts were gathered in early spring through early summer.

They can be eaten raw, having a sweet, juicy flavour. The berries are often eaten with salmon. They are one of the earliest fruits to ripen.

The Swainson’s Thrush is often associated with this plant.

RECIPE: SALMONBERRY VINAIGRETTE 50 g. salmonberries (1/4 cup) 1 Tbsp. cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. raspberry vinegar 1 1/2 tsp. simple syrup 1/4 tsp. sea salt

A Swainson’s thrush perches in a salmonberry bush.

In a blender, blend the salmonberries with the vinegar. Strain the dressing through a sieve to remove the salmonberry seeds. Stir in simple syrup and sea salt. Emulsify the olive oil by slowly drizzling it into the liquid while whisking.

Try on a Dandelion-greens salad.

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HIGHBUSH CRANBERRY - Viburnum trilobum identify: Straggling to erect, 0.5-3.5m tall with smooth, reddish to grey bark. Leaves are opposite, shallowly 3-lobed, sharply toothed. White flowers in small clusters. Fruits are clustered and red-orange.

ecology: Moist forests and forest edges, thickets, margins of wetlands, streambanks, and shorelines.

Not favourable for birds, but have very persistent fruits. Attracts butterflies, insects, bees.

notes: Cranberries were harvested in late summer and early fall, while green, but could also be obtained after the first frost of fall, since they remain on the bushes well into winter. Stored in boxes with water to sweeten over time.

RECIPE: Highbush Cranberry Sauce 3 cups highbush cranberries (stems removed)

Pass the raw highbush cranberries through a food mill.

Discard skins and seeds and retain the pulpy red juice.

1 cup organic cane sugar

Pour the raw juice into a heavy-bottomed pan and add the remaining ingredients.

2 teaspoons orange zest Juice of 1 orange

Over medium heat bring to a low boil, so that large bubbles rise around the edge. Turn the heat down to medium-low so that the mixture remains at a slow boil.

Continue to cook and skim off froth, for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce resembles the texture of jam.

You can test this by dropping 5 drops onto a metal spoon and placing the spoon in the freeze for a minute. If the sauce is ready, it will resexmble the texture of jam. If it is not like jam, it will still be runny and needs to be cooked down further and until jam-like consistency.

Pour the sauce into a sterilized jar. Let cool.

Refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to use it.

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RED ELDERBERRY - Sabucus racemosa identify: Large, deciduous, up to 50m tall. Leaves are alternate, thick, oval, with rounded to heart-shaped base. Fruits are green, hairy capsules that split when ripe. Seeds are covered in white fluffy hairs.

ecology: Foraging for birds and small mammals.

Great for butterflies and provides nectar for pollinating insects.

notes: The red berries were used as fish bait in streams. Eaten fresh or dried like raisins. Berries were harvested by clubbing the branches and letting the berries fall into a basket, or they were removed with a comb-like implement. The leaves and bark were used for sore throats and inflamed gums. Some have said that the red huckleberry was created by Asin, the monster woman-of-the-woods, and those who ate the berries lost their reason and were carried off into the woods.

A black-capped chickadee eating elderberries.

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SASKATOON BERRY - Amelanchier alnifolia identify: Shrub to small tree, 1-5m tall, stems smooth with dark-grey to red bark. Alternate, deciduous leaves, thin, round to oval, regularly tooched mostly on top half. Large white flowers.

ecology: Found in meadows, thickets, forest edges, roadsides, anywhere with well-drained soils. Berries are great food sources to many types of birds, especially in August.

notes: Berries were highly regarded by all groups and usually dried. The Haida called them ‘sweet berries’. The Stl’atl’imx practised burning to encourage stands of saskatoon.

Can be eaten fresh or dried for baking/cooking.

EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY - Vaccinium ovatum identify: Erect, bushy, up to 4m tall. Leaves are alternate, evergreen, egg-shaped, leathery, green on top, paler below. Flowers are pink, bell-shaped. Deep purplish-black berries, small.

ecology: Coniferous forests (edges) at low elevations, close to tidewater. Persistent fruits.

Good for hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds.

notes: These berries were used by the Nuu-chah-nulth, Sechelt, Comox, Halq’emeylem, Straits Salish, and Quinault. They were well-liked, and people were known to travel far to collect them. They were eaten fresh, often with oil, or they were dried into cakes. They are said to taste better after the first frost.

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NOOTKA ROSE - Rosa nutkana identify: Spindly, to 3m tall, large prickles at the base at each leaf. Alternate, deciduous leave with an odd number of toothed leaflets. Flowers are large and pink. Hips are purplish-red, with hairy filaments.

ecology: Generally open habitats, and at low to middle elevations. Foraging and nesting for birds.

Attracts pollinators during the summer.

notes: Cedar-root cooking baskets used for boiling foods usually had rose leaves placed under and over food to flavour it and protect it from burning. In the spring, the tender young roots were sometimes eaten. The branches or strips of bark were boiled to make an eyewash for cataracts.

RECIPE: Drying Rosehips

ROSE HIP AND RHUBARB JAM

The process is very easy and similar to air drying flowers, follow these directions:

Use slightly under-ripe rose hips. Cut in half and remove seeds with tip of knife.

1. Sort out the imperfect ones and rinse the batch.

Carefully pat dry.

Combine:

2. Line a cookie sheet with a screen, or a sheet of cardboard, or parchment or wax paper and spread them across in a single layer.

1 cup water

3. Leave in a dark, well ventilated area for a few weeks, they’ll be ready when they are hard, wrinkly and darker in color.

1/2 teaspoon salt

You can also do this in the oven on the lowest setting or use a dehydrator.

1 cup rose hips 4 cups diced rhubarb Boil rapidly 2 minutes and add 2 cups sugar and 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind. Boil rapidly 2 minutes. Seal in sterilized jars.

Process in hot water bath for 15 minutes.

You can dry them whole or you can cut and seed first. If mainly using for teas, leaving whole is fine.

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CHICKWEED - Cerastium fontanum identify: Biennial or short-lived perennial herb from taproots and often from sprawling, nodally-rooting branches; clumps to 40 cm across. Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves opposite, spoon-shaped.

ecology: Grows in intertwined manner on lawns, cultivated fields, pastures Fertile moist soils and shade tolerant.

notes: Available most of the year except hot summers. When large or plentiful, harvest just the tops.

The earthy succulence and crisp textures, go really well in salads. Chickweed also has a long history of traditional uses as an emollient for the skin.

BISTORT - Bistorta bistortoides identify: Perennial herb from a short, thick rhizome; stems erect, solitary to several, simple, 20-70 cm tall.

Leaves are smooth on both sides or slightly hairy below, alternate, few, reduced upward.

ecology: Grows in moist, open areas on montane, alpine, and subalpine slopes. Blooms in the summer.

notes: The leaves and shoots are edible raw. Rhizome can be eaten raw or can be steeped, roasted/dried, and ground into flour.

The rhizome is suitable for use as a potherb. Seeds are also edible, either roasted whole or ground into meal/flour.

Small bulblets can be eaten raw (do not consume in excess).

Plant is rich in vitamin C. 22

NIPPLEWORT- Lapsana communis identify: Annual herb from a fibrous root; stems erect, branched above, solitary, exuding milky juice when broken, 0.3-1.5 m tall.

ecology: Foraging for birds and animals.

Provides nectar for pollinating insects.

notes: Young, tender leaves are best. Mature leaves may be eaten but must be boiled to remove the bitterness.

Has a similar flavour to spinach, and as they mature they become spicier, more radish-like. Young leaves are good in salads.

FIREWEED- Epilobium angustifolium identify: Perennial herb from widespread rhizome-like root; stems erect, 1-3 m tall.

ecology: Attracts bees and makes for a delicious honey.

Foraging for birds

notes: Excellent survival plant as most of its parts are edible and a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads or steeped for use as a tonic tea.

The flowers, buds, and roots are edible.

Peeled outer layer from the stalks can be dried, then soaked in water and twisted into twine which the Haida would use to make fishing nets. The fluff from the seed pods can be used as tinder for fires and was used by native groups.

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STINGING NETTLES - Urtica dioica identify: Perennial herb from strong rhizomes; stems erect, simple or branched, solitary, smooth except for a few stinging hairs and bristles, 100-300 cm tall.

ecology: Moist to mesic streamsides, deciduous woodlands, thickets, avalanche tracks, and alluvial floodplains in the lowland and steppe to lower subalpine zones.

Great for butterflies and moths.

notes: If you would like to use nettles for food or tea, then harvest them before they flower.

Nettles, once cooked, can replace spinach in any recipe.

The leaves can be dried and made in to a healthy, delicious tea.

RECIPE: Stinging Nettles sautĂŠed in Brown Butter with Crispy Shallots & Farro 1/2 cup farro, uncooked 3 tablespoons butter 1 shallot, thinly sliced 4 cups, about 2 ounces, stinging nettle leaves 2 teaspoons dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Cook farro in a small saucepan. Add 1 1/2 cups water to cover the grains. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Drain excess liquid.

In the meantime melt butter on medium heat in large skillet. Add shallots and stir frequently until the butter has browned and the shallots are crisp. Add dijon mustard and stir. Add stinging nettles and toss in butter.

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USE GLOVES. They are called stinging nettles for a reason and will give you a rash.

NASTURTIUMS - Tropaeolum majus identify: Low-cover flowering plant with large to small rounded flat leaves. Flowers vary from yelloworange to bright reds.

ecology: Found in gardens growing along side vegetables.

Tends to trail and grow in interlocked.

notes: The flowers have a nice peppery taste and can be added as a garnish to salads and other dishes.

Little drops of dew settle in the centers of the leaves creating a nice pool.

Nasturtium Summer Rolls Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks Half of a red chilli cut into matchsticks Half a cucumber cut into matchsticks 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt

1. Toss the carrot, chilli and cucumber in the sugar, salt and vinegar and set aside.

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2. Pour boiling water over the vermicelli in a heatproof bowl and leave for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain well and toss with the carrot, chilli and cucumber.

12 x 20cm rice paper rounds (banh trang)

of the rice paper. Top with a nasturtium leaf, lettuce, noodles, and carrot, chilli and cucumber, spring onions, mint and Asian basil. Roll tightly, tucking in the ends, and serve with nuoc cham or a dipping sauce of sweet chilli sauce and rice vinegar and extra lettuce leaves for wrapping.

2 spring onions, cut into matchsticks

50g dried rice vermicelli

12 nasturtium leaves, unsprayed 3. To assemble, dip one rice paper round into a shallow bowl 24 nasturtium flowers, unsprayed of hot water for 5 seconds and place on a clean bench.

4. Place two nasturtium flowers face-down on the lower third A few green lettuce leaves, torn Handful of mint leaves Handful of Asian basil leaves Nuoc cham or sweet chilli sauce

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MILKWEED - Asclepias speciosa identify: Perennial herb from a rhizome; stems erect, 0.41.2m tall, woolly, grey or glabrous below; plants have milky juice. Leaves are opposite, simple, 10-20 cm long, fleshy, oblong or oval.

ecology: Moist forests and forest edges, thickets, margins of wetlands, streambanks, and shorelines.

Not favourable for birds, but have very persistent fruits. Liked by butterflies, insects, bees.

notes: Edible parts may be consumed raw or cooked.

Important species for the monarch butterfly during migration period, both at caterpillar and butterfly stage.

COMMON DANDELION - Taraxacum officinal identify: Perennial herb from a branched, stem-base and a thick, deep taproot; stems erect, solitary to several, simple, hollow, glabrous or sparsely long-hairy, exuding milky juice when broken.

ecology: Look for by the sides of trails, around urban environments, growing as a weed in the garden.

notes: Dandelions are common weeds found in most yards and urban areas.

Both the flower and the leafy greens can be eaten. Leafy greens are peppery and full of nutrition. The flowers can be used as a garnish or made into a fritter.

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COMMON CHAMOMILE - Anthemis arvensis identify: Annual, aromatic herb from a taproot; stems erect, leafy, simple or branched, hairy, 10-60 cm tall.

Leaves are alternate, 2 times divided into narrow, linear segments. White and yellow flowers.

ecology: Dry roadsides and disturbed areas in low elevations.

notes: A common herb that can be foraged and made into a tea to help relax and feel sleepy. The flower heads can be dried or used fresh.

Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties, can be used for disinfection and to relieve the pain. It is mainly used for a variety of treatments.

FOR SUMMER

FOR WINTER

Chamomile tea

Chamomile Honey Popsicles 3 C (590g) Water 1/3 C (104g) Raw, Local Honey 4 (6g) Tea Bags of Chamomile Tea, or Âź C + 1 Tbs (6g) Fresh Chamomile Flowers

In a saucepot bring water to just under a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in honey. Add tea bags or flowers, steep for 10 minutes.

Strain if using fresh flowers. Fill popsicle moulds, leaving 3mm room at the top.

Place lid on popsicles and insert the popsicle sticks.

Freeze overnight or at least eight hours.

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FAUNA RAPTORS

SONG BIRDS POLLINATORS

RODENTS

AMPHIBIANS/SNAKES

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RED-TAILED HAWK - Buteo jamaicensis identify: Common hawk in North America with broad wings and a short wide tail that has a streaked belly, white the rest of the body is a rich brown. Likely see the underside as they soar above you.

habitat: If they are not flying over large open fields, likely perched high on trees, posts, or poles by an open field waiting for its meal or lurking in deciduous forests waiting for small mammals.

notes: It has been recorded that the oldest red-tailed hawk lived to 28 years and 10 months old. This bird is so common, that is also nicknamed “Chicken Hawk”, as it is found all over N. America.

COOPER’S HAWK - Accipiter cooperii identify: Blue-grey body above with a bars of red-brown on the underside. This hawk’s long tail is striped with dark brown bands and rounded at the tips. The head tends to be darker than the nape.

habitat: Usually found in deep forests, such as Terra Nova’s woodlot habitats, fairly high up in the canopies waiting for other smaller birds to flicker through the understory layers.

notes: This bird tends to kill its prey through repeated squeezing of their talons, rather than biting it to death. They may also drown their prey in the water.

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OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus identify: Upperparts are quite glossy and range in browns with a white underside which can be streaked brown. Its head is white with a dark band across the face.

habitat: Found around any bodies of water, usually with the combination of a coniferous forests, as the majority of its diet consists of fish. Ospreys are found all over the world.

notes: Tends to build its nest on manmade structures, such as duck blinds, poles, and areas designed specifically for ospreys. To encourage the dwindling population, more areas have been designed for osprey nests.

PEREGRINE FALCON- Falco peregrinus identify: Largest falcon species on this continent, with bluegrey feathers and barred belly. Its feathers are tuite long. The head is dark and has sideburns.

habitat: Found perching or nesting overhead, on anywhere from cliffs, structures, or trees. If there are a flock of waterfowls on shallow waters, look above for this falcon.

notes: This bird specie was almost wiped off this continent from pesticide poisoning during the 20th century. It took dramatic actions to restore it to the populations we see today.

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SPOTTED TOWHEE - Pipilo maculatus identify: A sparrow that has a white belly, jet black to warm brown on upperparts and throat, and wings/back spotted white.

habitat Usually found in along forest edges that has thick shrub layers so they may be difficult to find, as they are amongst the leaf litter or in the understory foraging.

notes: Males will spend long periods of time singing to attract a mate, as long as 70-90% of their morning. Also, a group of towhees is known as a “tangle” or “teapot” of towhees.

You might also find towhees sunbathing on the grass with its wings spread out.

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - Oreothlypis celata identify: Has a grey upper body with varying shades of yellow and olive green underside. Underside of tail transitions into a warmer yellow. Has a pale stripe that goes across the eye.

habitat: Often found flickering through open, shrubby or thicket areas at the edges of forests. If there are dense, relatively low vegetation, you’ll likely spot the warbler.

notes: Male warblers that are breeding mimic each other’s songs in groups of two to six birds, creating a “song neighbourhood” that can last for a few years.

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BUSHTIT - Psaltriparus minimus identify: A songbird that is grey-brown in colour with a large head, long tail, and stubby bill. Total length of bird is less than 4.5�. Bushtits found in this region have a brown cap.

habitat: Commonly found in woodlands, as their main diet consists of insects and spiders on the undersides of leaves. Their nests resemble a bit of a small pouch made up of moss, grass, and spider webs.

notes: Unlike other birds, a family of bushtits will sleep all together in one pouch rather than on their own. During breeding season, male bushtits act as helpers in raising the babies.

HOUSE FINCH - Haemorhous mexicanus identify: Best known for their cheerful twitters, these finches have large beaks, short wings, and a long tail with a red face and breast. Their body is quite small in comparison and is streaked brown.

habitat: Commonly found on the forest edge or around open woods. You can spot them either higher up on adjacent trees or feeding on the ground near weed stalks.

notes: Nestlings of this specie are fed a vegetarian diet, rather than a protein based diet. The population has been steadily declining in the east coast due to an eye disease called avian conjunctivitis.

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ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD - Calypte anna identify: Very small in size (about the size of a golf ball) and has distinctive features such as irridescent, almost metallic emerald green feathers on its back and deep red throats with white tipped tail feathers.

habitat: You’ll likely be able to found this bird by shrubs and trees that producers of nectar, especially in open woods. Males and females live in seperate areas during breeding season.

notes: The typical temperature of this specie hovers around 107 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a scorching 42 degrees Celsius! Likely because their heart beats 1260 times/ minute. Hummingbirds are also able to fly backwards.

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD - Selasphorus rufus identify: This hummingbird is covered in bright oranges, reds, and greens. If spotted in the dark, can almost look like they’re glowing. You can also hear a buzzing from the flapping of their wings.

habitat: Prefers open areas and forests, but will likely be found where nectar-rich flowers are. Likes tubular flowers best. Tends to breed in forest edges and open clearings.

notes: This hummingbirds is extremely territorial and difficult to catch. You can often find them attacking other birds or even small mammals if its territory has been intruded on.

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WESTERN HONEY BEE - Apis mellifera identify: Generally are a combination of black, brown, and yellow shades and are smaller than an inch in length. Entire body covered in tiny hairs. Likely will see worker bees, which are sterile females.

habitat: Are found where there is a major source of nectar, including blooming flowers on trees, shrubs, and plants. These would include wetlands and grassy areas.

notes: The worker bee uses its hind legs to collect pollen. The long hairs along its legs are used like a basket for pollen, called corbicula. They are also smaller in size than the queen bee.

Once the bee stings, it will die.

GYPSY CUCKOO BUMBLE BEE - Bombus bohemicus identify: Is a densely hairy medium-sized bee. Overall, is mostly black and pale yellow. Easiest to identify by the black hairs on its head. The area closest to the stinger is white.

habitat: Found where there are host bumble bee nests or in underground burrows left abandoned by small rodents. During colder months, will likely be hidden in mulch or logs that are rotting.

notes: Unlike the western honey bee, gypsy cuckoo bumble bees do not need to bring food back to the queen bee. So after eating, they laze around at home until they are hungry for their next meal.

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CREEPING VOLE - Microtus oregoni identify: Has a small, short tail that has brown-grey fur weighing at less than 20g typically. Has tiny eyes and small black ears that are quite hidden behind its fur.

habitat: Found in woodlots with coniferous trees and old fields covered in grass. They do burrow underground to make their homes, but are quite shallow.

notes: This specie survives off of a vegetarian diet of herbs, grasses, and fungi. Voles are also excellent swimmers and can even dive!

DEER MOUSE - Peromyscus maniculatus identify: Large, beady eyes that has two tones of colour, white belly and varying shades of brown covering its back. Has a fairly long tail that is dark above and white below with white feet.

habitat: Found near thickets and woodlands, feeding on seeds, fruits, leaves, fungi, insects, spiders, etc. Its preferred habitat is forests with sparse groundcovers.

notes: Communicates in different ways, including vocally through shrieks and trills. Deer mice are favoured for laboratory testing as they are easy to breed and keep captive.

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TOWNSEND’S VOLE - Microtus townsendii identify: Larger vole with medium sized ears, covered in dark brown fur that is tipped in black with a grey belly and grey feet. Tail is black. Its ears tend to stick up a bit more than other types of voles.

habitat Found in wet meadows, marshy areas, and salt marshes. On this site, they will likely be found in the old field, hedgerow habitats, and old agricultural fields.

notes: This small mammal is the major food source for longer birds, such as barn owls, northern harriers, and great blue herons. Like the creeping vole, this specie is also a great swimmer and diver.

COMMON SHREW - Sorex araneus identify: A small mammal with dark brown fur and a lightcoloured belly. It has tiny eyes, very small ears, and a pointed snout. Their tail is approximately half the length of its body.

habitat: Usually found in hedgerows, woodlots, and grasslands, their homes burrowed into the ground.

Their habitats have been quickly diminished from agriculture and use of pesticides.

notes: Shrews must eat 200-300% of their own weight in order to survive every day. They eat mostly insects, slugs, spiders, small rodents, etc. If the shrew is unable to find food in five hours, it may die.

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WESTERN GARTER SNAKE - Thamnophis elegans identify: Has a dusty appearance that is usually a shade of grey with light coloured stripes with a pattern of dark spots. Its belly is usually pale. All these features are quite variable.

habitat: Found in moist areas around meadows and estuaries especially. Tends to be hidden away behind objects like logs, rocks, plant debris, fallen tree bark, etc.

notes: Garter snakes are sometimes sold as pets; however, if you have more than one, be sure to seperate them as they can become cannibalistic.

PACIFIC TREE FROG - Pseudacris regilla identify: Are various shades of brown, grey, tan, or green, as they are continuously changing in a matter of minutes. They have a dark black or brown stripe goes from their nose to shoulder.

habitat: Found in ponds and streams, or just riparian habitats in general. Prefers smaller bodies of water for breeding purposes.

notes: When looking for mates, one male will begin croaking and others will follow. The chorus of frog croaks can be quite loud and be heard from a distance, this usually occurs at night time rather than the day.

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LONG-TOED SALAMANDER - Ambystoma macrodactylum identify: Varies from dark grey to black skin and covered with golden speckles. Its eyes are a bit bulbous with a rounded snout. Usually has a yellow or green stripe along its back.

habitat Likely found around ponds or areas close to a body of water. You can find them in the spring in log burrows, but this amphibian tends to move around at night.

notes: If the weather is mild over the winter, this salamander will not hibernate, but when it does, will hibernate in groups of up to 14!

When they hibernate over the winter, the proteins that they survive off of are located in their tails.

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