Clearing The Fire Lane For George

 

There have been fallen trees partially blocking the fire lanes for the past couple of years.

I did some work but had decided to let George do it. instead of me.

It seems George died, Meanwhile, I received a small battery-power chainsaw for Christmas that is able to sever tree branches, but not tree trunks.

I decided to go out today to see what I could do to improve the situation.

I was able to trim four of the deadfalls, which will make it easier for FWC staff to check out the area as needed.

I also found two more seedlings today in the now protected path adjacent to the first planting area.

The lupines in the third planting area are in full bloom, but need space to spread seeds. That will be a project for another day.

More Lupines And A Bucketful of Debris

 I revisited the site this morning and put down six more flags, five in the first planting area and one in the second planting area.

One interesting change was I found the westernmost seedling just west of the westermost mature plant that has flowered for the past two years.

I visited the volunteer sites and still find no seedlings. Maybe a future burn will change that. 

The mature plants are still blooming, but one looked close to being done.

While I was doing this I walked the trail system and picked some pieces of broken beer and soda bottles and other debris that rain and wind exposed.

I also noticed a vehicle had been on site recently. but had not entered the path full of seedlings next to the first planting area, which made me glad that my friends at FWC have put the word out to avoid that area.

  

Seedlings Still Popping Up; More Plants Begin To Bloom

 I went out today with just enough flags to mark additional seedlings that I found today.

The bulk of the seedlings are still occurring in open areas in and around the first planting area, which was established in 2008.

According to my count today, there are 54 seedlings in that area.

There are nine seedlings so far in the second planting area, which was established in 2010.

In the most recent planting area, which dates from less than five years ago, there were only three seedlings.

I have checked the volunteer areas farther west a couple of times and so far have found no seedlings.

I'd add that a few of the seedlings I  have flagged this year have already died, which is expected.    

I plan to check for new seedlings at least once again this month. I normally don't any after that.

I plan a follow up survey in May or June to see how many of the seedlings have survived.

Lupines Begin To Bloom

 

While I was checking for and finding additional seedlings at the preserve today, I walked by the only mature plant near the first planting area and noticed it was beginning to bloom.

I did not check the plants in the third planting area, but assume they will begin blooming soon.

I left some extra flags to use in the next survey.

After I left that area. I went out to check the north fence line,

I noticed one of the neighbors had a hog pen, complete with hog.

I noticed some hog damage in the fire land nearby, but for now the animal appeared to be securely confined. 

 

Additional Reasons To Keep Vehicles Away From Lupine Area

 During the ongoing monitoring of the emergence of this year's crop of Scrub Lupine seedlings I feel vindicated about making it a point to emphasize the need to keep vehicles out of the path near the original planting area.

That's because that seems to be where the bulk of this year's crop lies.

As you can see by the flags, they are spread all the across the path.

I also checked the volunteer area farther west. No seedlings were present. Probably needs its first burn. It is the only section of the north tract that has never been burned.

   

Next Time Bring More Flags

I went out today to monitor the seedling emergence.

It is increasing and I did not bring enough flags to mark every plant.

So far it looks like there are about 50 seedlings, mostly in the first planting area.

The new seedlings include plants emerging in a portion of the trail near the first planting area, but not near the area where some mature plants put out seeds last year before the tractors may have buried them.

If the pledge to keep vehicles out of the path near the first planting area is honored. it would  protect those plants. 

Meanwhile, a handful of adult plants appear to be ready to bloom within the next month.

Next year may be interesting.