My next two blogs will feature some DNR news, with commentary (of course). Let's start with good news and thanks.

Please use this link for the DNR's report on the search for rare native plants and the volunteers who search for them.

Lots of great news here headlined by volunteer Geroge Riggins' re-discovery of the Maryland wild senna. His was not the only success. Another favorite of mine was the volunteer who specializes in the group of woodland sedges known as the Woodland Danglers. Where do they get these names? With a name like that it's lucky the plants aren't ticketed for indecent exposure.

*Maryland senna photo by John Winder FCC*

The report on the search for rare plants is well written and illustrated. And hopeful. The facts that dozens of volunteers are willing to be trained and then spend hours or days searching for these rare plants and that they find many show that the conservation ethic is alive and well in Wisconsin and that Nature always has some pleasant surprises. My only quibble with the report is that it may understate the tough work these volunteers put in. As I read the account and looked at the photos of the Maryland senna search, it seemed to me the search was during the summer in SW Wisconsin. I immediately thought of bugs, ticks, heat and humidity. More kudos to Mr. Riggin and the other volunteers.

What first caught my eye about this report was the senna. Northern wild senna is one of my favorite plants. It's strikingly beautiful with delicate green leaves and yellow blossoms followed by large seed pods. During some late summers and early falls, dozens of bumble bees are on my stands of senna. They would be a great native addition to your yard.

Some of the DNR's rare plant volunteers I recognize as TPE members. Do any of our SoWBA members volunteer? I'd bet so and it'd be fun to learn from your experience.

With fire season having ended and new opportunities for SoWBA volunteers arise (a team will work at Otsego Marsh this week), it's time again to thank all of you who volunteer on our lands and other projects. Our sanctuaries are vibrant, vital, improving (with many rare species of native flora and fauna) thanks in large part to our volunteers.

Thanks,

Topf Wells, advocacy committee