The Woodlot at Wapiti Valley

Like many locations in Canadas Boreal region Chantrelle gathering is very popular at this time of the year. North East Sask. is no exception. What have you been gathering?

"intact nature on a scale...." not so intact after last nights wind around Nipawin.

From time to time I will try out a new game to make. This one is shop shuffleboard birch twig push sticks and Ash pucks.

Its been an interesting spring in the Valley. So far we have seen a very brief flood of our road, followed by a brief ( so far fingers crossed) forest fire season, then it was wakey wakey for momma a two cubs roaming around (no food around our place...they particularly like bbq. However the bonus is morels are back with all their glory. #lovewhereyoulive # livewhereyoulove

If you are not familiar with Ashlyn, you need to be. No time to explore?..no worries Ashlyn has your back, no money...who needs $ when you have Ashlyn? Soo lucky to have her rep our province

Out in abundance now. Crocuses, spruce buds, labrador tea.....fires and floods can take a hike...see you next year

Now more than ever.

This is an awesome example of a living breathing forest

While self isolating during the COVID pandemic and because the COVID virus hates heat one of my treatments will be via the .....SAUNA: is a small room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these facilities. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire.

Its that time. Welcome to spring

Obvious and goes without saying.

Fungi 101 Here it is!

The trail map shows our location at the far west side at Wapiti Ski Park.

LOVE THIS AND IT SO APPLIES TO OUR WOODLOT AND AREA.

Who doesnt like a cabin in the woods, a warm fire and good book?

This post by Northern Apothecary is one that Wild Plant & Mushroom Identification & Discussion group could learn from.

We have hives here in the valley but I don't personally keep them at the woodlot. They would be a great addition.

More and more people ask me questions about the variety of birds in and around The Woodlot. I have always found The Birds of The Boreal a great resource to become more informed about all things birds. https://www.borealbirds.org

Northern Apothecary has posted about Chaga today. She is way more thoughtful and knowledgeable about its sustainable harvest

Thank you for your knowledge Northern Apothecary

O F F E R I N G Ive gifted every piece of chaga Ive ever harvested. Mostly people with cancer request it and although I never give instructions for dosage an...d what not, I am always grateful to provide the medicine. I have my reservations about harvesting this one. Its slow growing and often not harvested correctly so that it wont rejuvenate what youve taken. These are such important things to know when you are out there harvesting. Its been over a year since this medicine last showed itself to me. I graciously accepted the gift and gave thanks after it was taken. I will know soon what I should be using it for or who will need it. Thats how it works in nature when you take what you need, respect the life youve taken and honor the plant/fungus. Deepening these connections and rhythms with our environment is one way to reconnect ourselves to our natural home. The second photo shows what I left behind. Harvesting 1/3 of the fungus and not deep into the medicine so you do not injure the tree its growing from. It can take up to 20 years for Chaga to reach maturity and begin showing externally on the birch tree. The fungus should be at least the size of a grapefruit and harvesting in the winter (not spring) to prevent injuring the tree youre harvesting from. Give thanks for the offering youve received and practice restraint

Just trying to recognize another aspect of Clifford Weins architecture and design upon his recent passing. The main residence at The Woodlot was designed by Saskatchewan architect Clifford Weins. Owner built (with many friends and relatives) the home features such as open concept, passive solar, walkout basement and many built ins and custom cabinetry. #cliffordweins #cliffordweinsarchitecture

Kind of speaks for itself...

Did you know, intact old-growth rainforest on Vancouver Island is destroyed three times faster than that of the Amazon? Over a century of industrialized logging... has resulted in about 80% of original old-growth forests being logged. With today's ever changing climate, these forests will never grow back as we know themif we cut them, theyll be gone forever. It's time for our provincial government to support Indigenous Nations pursing land-use planning that respect their rights, title and governance, establish conservation-focused old-growth legislation, and immediately halt industrial logging in endangered old-growth ecosystems. Unless this happens soon, clearcut logging will continue to release massive amounts of carbon emission, threaten a wide array of plant and animal species, harm freshwater sources and fish habitat, and negatively impact communities. Today's you last opportunity to submit public comment on B.C.'s old-growth forest strategic review process. Fill out the questionaire here at feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/747451?lang=en or email your thoughts to [email protected] by 4pm PST. #conservation #logging #clearcutlogging #deforestation #climatechange #oldgrowth #bcpoli #cdnpoli #pacificwild #vancouverisland #britishcolumbia #trees #naturalresourcemanagement Footage by Ian McAllister

Easy to attract waxwings with fruit bearing trees like Mountain Ash and Rowan trees.

Its one of the many ways to have fun in the valley

Now thats going back in time.

Its still sledding season...get out there and enjoy!!!

It is the beginning of shed season.

And this is how use find shed antlers.

We have Sparrow Hawks in and around The Woodlot but this perspective is beautiful

This growing season saw an amazing display of fungus diversity in The Woodlot. Finding them is the easy part, as they are all over. Identifying is another issue. My main reference book is from right here in Sask. Beautiful colour plates, top and underside views are very helpful.

Take care while travelling through the forest. Anything is possible....Lighting fires or hot pipes from a quad catching grass....take care out there.