Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris)
Swamp rose (Rosa palustris) was amongst the many plants that were added to the botanical list during the SUNY College Lodge BioBlitz that took place this past weekend. This rose species is a native perennial shrub that doesn’t mind the sun or getting its feet wet. It frequents swamp and marsh edges and was appropriately found along the large swamp on the property in a bright, sunny spot. We were happy to find this native rose as the non-native multiflora rose has been taking over in many places. As the week continues, check back with us for more photos, videos and new discoveries made...
Read MoreBioBlitz this Friday-Saturday at SUNY College Lodge
We are only two days away from the blitz! On July 18-19, 2014 experts from across the region will take part in a ‘BioBlitz’ conducted by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History at the SUNY College Lodge Nature Preserve in Brocton. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour race to identify as many species of plants and animals of all kinds on the property and we invite you to join in the fun. Hear from the experts what they are finding or join us for a number of free and public walks and talks about some of the unique and exciting life that can be found on the approximately 200-acre property owned...
Read MoreWater Chestnut (Trapa natans)
Today’s invasive is an aquatic plant that goes by the name of water chestnut (Trapa natans), and no it is not the kind you might enjoy with a meal. This particular plant has a good habit of taking over water bodies and slow moving streams where it will form dense mats. These mats will prevent sunlight from reaching native aquatic vegetation growing beneath, resulting in the death of the plants and loss of diversity. Water chestnut can also have a negative impact on fish as the invader will decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water as the mats die back in the fall. Last, but...
Read MoreMultiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Originally introduced from Japan into the United States in the 1860’s as an ornamental cultivar, multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) plantings increased throughout the 1930’s as a form of erosion control and natural fencing for livestock. Since then, multiflora rose has spread out of control and is now considered a noxious weed or prohibited invasive species in a number of states, particularly throughout the northeast.
Read MorePartridge Berry (Mitchella repens)
While we were out visiting Boutwell Hill State Forest, a Natural History Atlas location, we came across some interesting plant communities supported by the rich soils found in the mixed deciduous and coniferous forest stands. This little plant is often overlooked, but these bright white flowers and the scarlet red fruits that will soon follow are hard to miss!
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