Although the West Eugene Wetlands are only ten minutes from where I lived for many years, there is always more to learn and experience in this captivating landscape. As a new CLM intern for the BLM, I have gained a renewed appreciation for these precious places and the rare plants and animals that live here.

When I’m on all fours pawing through blades of grass in search of the tiny seedlings of Lomatium Bradshawii (a listed wetland prairie species) I feel like I’m part of a private universe.

Few people take the time to look closely… really closely at their landbase.

To most, the minute details in that particular place are completely invisible. Although plot work can at times be tedious, I try to remember how special it is to be able to interact daily with plants and animals most people will never even see.

Only when I’m walking through the hummocky patches of prairie here in the Willamette Valley does it hit home what this ecosystem once was. Even though these wetland prairies now only occupy 1% of their pre-colonial extent, the intact remnants that do remain are truly amazing.

From the low vernal pools filled with popcorn flowers to the oak and ash groves teeming with camas I’m in a botanist’s paradise.

It’s strange to think that in my not-so-distant past there was a time when these places and the species that inhabit them were invisible to me too.

Although I still get odd looks when I explain to my friends and family that I plan to spend all summer counting butterflies and daisies I secretly pity them for missing out on knowing these creatures so well.