3 minute read
Wildwood Ramble
Little Gems of the Forest
BY KALI BRAUCKMANN, ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE SOCIETY NATURALIST
Today, I am in Wildwood Ecoforest in search of flowers. These are not the grand flowers we see in gardens or along roads, boasting vibrant colours and large petals. The flowers I seek here are small, requiring readers to don their glasses to fully appreciate them. Initially, the forest appears to be dominated by shades of green and brown, but once you open your eyes to the subtle colours hidden within, they become apparent everywhere.
A few feet off the road, I spot a pop of pink amidst the trailing blackberries and Oregon grapes. At first, I’m uncertain about the type of flower I’m observing, but as my eyes adjust, I notice its resemblance to the sweet peas in my garden. However, these little sweet peas are slightly smaller than my thumbnail. They belong to the leafy peavine species, scientifically known as Lathyrus polyphyllus. These delicate flowers showcase hues of pink and hints of purple, transitioning to blue as they wither. Intrigued, I lean in, leading with my nose, to delve deeper into their characteristics and their methods of attracting pollinators. A subtle fragrance wafts into my nostrils, and a gentle smile graces my face. What a delightful little flower!
I decide to stop over at Wildwood’s mill site, basking in the sun while reveling in the melodies of the birds. As I immerse myself in this tranquil experience, I can’t help but notice the dryness of the mill site. The grass has transformed into slender, golden stalks and even the soft cattail moss crackles beneath my feet. Observing this particular area of the forest, it appears to be suspended in a state of quiet anticipation, awaiting the arrival of the rains.
Amidst the immature Douglas firs, I spy a slender stick standing about a foot tall, resembling a pencil in width. Curiosity piqued, I approach to investigate.
As I draw nearer, I discern that the stick is pale green and adorned with tiny white flowers along its length. I kneel down to observe these sparkling white blossoms, their delicate structure gleaming in the sunlight. Each flower possesses a long tube, presumably brimming with nectar. Excitement surges through my chest as I realize that these flowers resemble those of another orchid species found in this forest — the rattle-snake plantain.
“I’ve found another orchid species!” I exclaim with glee. Looking around, as if a veil has been lifted, I discover several orchids nestled within this small patch of sunlit moss. I can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems lie concealed in this forest, awaiting discovery.
