Earthquest Canada for the Environment
171 Lakeshore Road, RR #2 N0J 1T0 Port Burwell, ON, Canada

Today was restoration ecology and survey day at my friend’s property situated along Silver Creek in Elgin county. We planted provincially rare Eastern Burning-bush (Euonymus atropurpurea) within a floodplain area and discovered Special Concern Crooked-stem Aster (Symphotrichium prenanthoides) and regionally rare Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita). There were 125 stems of Crooked-stem Aster counted. Special Concern Broad Beech Fern (Thlepteris hexagonopteris) was resurveyed with 414 stems.

Led a nature hike today for the Otter Valley Naturalists based on my book on Asters and Goldenrods of Ontario. Found 12 species, including Special Concern Crooked-stem Aster (Symphotrichium prenanthoides), which was a highlight. Six additional plants were brought to demonstrate asters and goldenrods found in wetlands or hybrids. We also looked at a cross or hybrid between New England Aster (Symphotrichium nova-angliae) and Old Field or Frost Aster (Symphotrichium pilosum) called Amethyst Aster (Symphotrichium amethystium). We had chilli for lunch...and I sold 3 books....what a great day!

I’m leading a hike on Asters and Goldenrods for my nature club - the Ottervalley Naturalists on Saturday October 17 from 10 am to 2 pm. The focus is on my book: http://www.earthquestcanada.ca/Asterandgoldenrodbook.htm

Insect called a Bee Fly (Bombyliidae sp) pollinating Crooked-stem Aster (Symphotrichium prenanthoides).

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) catepillar defending itself from a House Fly (Musca domestica). It projects horns to ward off the intruder!