With the beginning of August comes the end of the West Eugene Wetland’s 2013 Field Season. All in all, I think it’s been a fairly successful–albeit early–season (last year the season ended at the end of August; we’re a bit ahead of the game this year). Through the course of the season, my monitoring lead and I (we are an awesome team of two) monitored five sensitive plant species and one endangered butterfly species. While the sensitive plant species are incredible, I’ve found that I derive most of my enjoyment from the various wildflowers and wildlife in the area. I love being able to go out in the field and know that I might see something new every day.

Some of my favorite wildflowers of the season:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for wildlife, I’ve had the great fortune to see a coyote, a rough-skinned newt, what might be a skink (I’m no lizard guru, so I’m not sure), and various birds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, now that field season is over, I’m off on a quick vacation before it’s back to the office to process paperwork and write reports!