Glenorchy Clean-Up

(Trillium)

A small group of very determined individuals spent the afternoon working hard in Glenorchy. We picked up countless broken bottles, old tin cans, plastic bottles, styrofoam, golf balls, plastic bags and many other pieces of waste.






Surprisingly enough, as we were walking with full garbage bags, a kayaker passed us and said "I hope you're not picking up junk."

"Why not?" we asked.

"Because there's too much of it. You'll need a dumptruck to get rid of it all."

This reaction to our clean up efforts was a bit surprising- what kind of mindset is it to decide that if it's going to be a big job, why bother? Especially coming from someone who is outside, presumably enjoying the area. Our response was "We have to start somewhere" and so we carried on. I'm proud of what we accomplished today!


(Spring Beauty)

Spending so much time in the valley allowed us to observe many species of native flowers and wildlife.


(We saw this butterfly sunning itself. Identified as a Compton Tortoiseshell Butterfly and considered Uncommon)


(Above: Coltsfoot photo credit: Brittney M)




(Above: Tentatively ID'd as Heal-all- please feel free to add a comment if you are able to confirm or clarify this. Photo credit: Brittney M)


(Above: Cut-leaved Toothwort)


(taking a break)


Aside from previously listed concerns (ATV tracks, human disregard for the area etc) there is a major threat to the area- an almost overwhelming infestation of garlic mustard in the area. We will address this issue in another post, but it is worth mentioning at this time.









.