White Pine Ridge

All of these white pine trees along Bear Creek are relics from a time ago, when Iowa was covered with pine-spruce forests after the last ice age.

Bear Creek

Giant Swallowtail

This giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) and two eastern tiger swallowtails (Papilio glaucus) where busy at work pollinating the many wildflowers along Bear Creek.

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

Pale Jewelweed

This "weed" (Impatiens pallida) is beautiful and dwells in a wet environment.  Look for it next to streams!  Poison ivy's itch can be relieved by it's juices.

Blazing Star

Buffalo Trail

A new computer has arrived for me here on the central plain.  I'm in the process of getting my pictures and camera set-up to blog for nature.  My excitement is through the roof with this new tool to spread the word of earth.  If any one has any suggestion on how I could make it more meaningful to you please let me know.  

Sunset Daydream