Ornate box-turtle found during an archaeological and botanical survey. (brought my shell)
The time here has flown by at the LBJ National Grasslands the past month. The Asclepias viridiflora seed collection is nearly complete. With the change of pace, I have been able to shadow the Range Specialist here. We met with state and regional Range Conservationist with the NRCS to organize a field trip for landowners to the grasslands to teach about range land management concerning the use of grazing and fire. (No fires occurred, only lectures) My mentor has also recently had me go with an archaeological crew while searching for milkweeds to gain exposure to their field. We also measured an old grave.
It gets better! The local monarch butterflies have at last revealed themselves. To my surprise these butterflies have become extremely active in pollination in the evenings, starting around 5:30 pm. The primary pollinating target of the monarchs has been Liatris mucronata. The monarchs have been accompanied by various species of swallowtails, bumble bees, and honey bees. Last,but not least, I finally found a monarch caterpillar! Life is great!
-Keagan Lowey
Monarch butterfly pollinating a Liatris mucronata on Unit 49.
Monarch taking flight from a Cephalanthus occidentalis by Black Creek Lake at Unit 48.
Monarch caterpillar on host Asclepias viridis on Unit 31.
