Spring walk at Upper Buttermilk Falls

One of the waterfalls along the gorge of Upper Buttermilk Falls.

One of the waterfalls along the gorge of Upper Buttermilk Falls.

I always think of spring as fleeting. There’s a little voice in the back of my head telling me that if I’m not out there every day checking out the changes, they will happen without me. Which is true – life happens whether you witness it or not. Every spring you will find me out there checking out what flowers are blooming – it is so exciting.

Yesterday, I took a walk along Upper Buttermilk Falls. Even though, I was there 2 days prior, so many new wonderful blossoms had opened up since my last visit.

red trilliumThe Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) has a few names. It is called “Birthroot” because tea brewed from the roots will induce labor. It’s hard to believe that this lovely flower is also called “Stinking Benjamin” which refers to the flower’s unpleasant odor, but pollinators love them. Even though they grow abundantly in some areas, Red trillium is listed on New York State’s Protected Native Plant List.

trailing arbutusIt is always a treat to come across Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens). It is not a very a showing flower and tends to creep and hide along rocks and mosses. It is also known as the Plymouth Mayflower as it was supposedly the first flower to brighten the hearts of the Pilgrims after their first long cold New England winter.

wild gingerPlain and simple I love ginger. So, when I come across Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) I am thrilled. Notice how the maroon flower blooms under the leaves, close to the ground. It is such an understated plant that packs a lot of flavor and healing qualities. Although I am a forager, I have not harvested any Wild Ginger for our meals – yet.

Wild GeraniumWild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) has a lovely little pale pink flower. On this trail, they appeared to like hanging out with the Trilliums.

Wild geranium and white trillium

Very busy builders

Summer was jammed packed. We were blessed with so many visits to and from friends and family. Life was crazy and the typical flow of the school year was out the door. Each week was new and wonderfully different, the summer simply flew by; I can’t believe its September already.

As school starts, life goes back to a more structured routine. For me, part of that involves driving Mathew to school in the morning, then going for a hike after I drop him off. I know, lucky me. Yep, I cannot disagree.

The other day, I decided to visit Upper Buttermilk Falls, as I hadn’t been there since the beginning of the summer. I was wondering what late summer flowers or fruits I was going to find. To my surprise, I found little sculpture gardens by the rivers edge. It was as if little elves or forest fairies built them.

This is just a sample of what I found. There were so many interesting sculptures to see.

rock art 3

 

rock art 2

rock art