Feature Article March 27, 2003
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Recent HappeningsA recent article in the Cornell Plantations Magazine, entitled Floral Gems of New York discussed rare plants found in the state and some of the reasons why they have almost disappeared. The author, Jim Peek, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regional forester highlighted such rare plants as the showy ladys-slipper orchid, toadshade, also called sessile trillium, leedys roseroot, and downy rattlesnake plantain, another orchid. These are threatened by loss of natural habitat, climatic changes and competition from invasive species. Peek writes, Foreign plants were originally either introduced accidentally or imported intentionally for such laudable purposes as decorating our yards, providing wildlife with food, or controlling erosion. A small percentage of these aliens have proven to be aggressive, invading wild lands and out-competing native plants for a place in the sun. He continues, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that, next to loss of habitat, invasive plants are the biggest reason for the decline of rare native species.
Zebra mussels are appearing in our area and have spread quickly throughout the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River drainage area. They are also invading waters that are connected to those major waterways. In early March an article in the Washington Post noted that zebra mussels are spreading to the Washington, DC area, and that their discovery in a local quarry has set off a race to stop the mussels from reaching the Chesapeake Bay. Ann Swanson, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission was quoted as calling the zebra mussel an extremely aggressive filter feeder and can overfilter the water to the extent that it can lead to almost sterility. Virginia state officials are debating about the best steps to stop the spread. But they have no immediate answer. The Virginia governor is considering legislation banning their possession and attaching a fine of up to $25,000.
There have been additional developments on the mining front. As Jeff Green reported (March 6, 2003), there have been many graphite mining claims filed in the area west of the Rideau Canal, running from near Westport to Perth. Local citizens have challenged these claims and the policies of the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. They have gained widespread acclaim from their fight. In the last month the company has abandoned almost half of the claims. Several were around Green Lake, near Burridge, and around Otty Lake. Many other claims remain in dispute. There may be further developments in the coming weeks.
Another recent article suggested installing bat houses to help control the West Nile virus. Bats eat huge amounts of mosquitoes. The houses should be put up in the spring for the best chance of success in establishing a bat colony.
Ive ordered my seeds for the garden. In this area the chipmunks are scurrying about searching for food and calling for mates. Crocuses are beginning to bloom and daffodils are peeking out of the ground. Flocks of geese are honking as they fly overhead in their familiar V formation. Spring is coming.
