![\"IMG_1156\"](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/IMG_1156.jpg\")
<\/a>Erigeron decumbens <\/i><\/b>\u2013 Willamette daisy<\/b><\/p>\nIt has been fascinating observing how the prairie habitat has progressed with the season.\u00a0 Flowering plants that flooded the fields with vibrant yellows, purples, reds, and blues in May and June are now merely dried up skeletons of carbon, which we now identify as thatch for purposes of habitat surveys.\u00a0 The lowland prairies, submerged in water just two months ago, are clinging on to the last drops as even the sedges and rushes are beginning to dry out.\u00a0 The upland, no question about it, wants to explode into a violent torrent of heat and flames and relieve itself of the heavy burden of matted dead grass, although most songbirds and small mammals probably love it.\u00a0 New flowers are starting bloom, and new pollinators are starting to pollinate.\u00a0 Grindelia integrifolia<\/i>, known for its sticky leaves, are beginning to pop out of their spiky buds, and honey and bumble bees are ready to indulge on the sweet sugars they produce.\u00a0 Ha! Nature happens!\u00a0 Keep it real!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I spent the majority of time this past month searching for two species Erigeron decumbens and Horkelia congesta, an endangered\u00a0 species and a species of concern both endemic to the Willamette Valley. \u00a0Unfortunately, Erigeron decumbens vegetative form blends in … Continue reading <\/a>Eryngium petiolatum \u2013 <\/i><\/b>coyote thistle\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/a>Grindelia integrifolia- <\/i><\/b>\u00a0Willamette valley gumweed<\/b><\/p>\n