April, 2016 Plant hunt summary

We are delighted to announce that 3 young budding Volunteer Field Botanists have been selected for the Field Botany Mentorship program.  The program initiated on April 30th with a hike along the Bruce Trail in the scenic waterfall laced Dundas Valley to collect data for the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

Talia Plaskett. One of the Field Botanists of the Volunteer Field Botanist Mentorship Program
Photo: Talia Plaskett

The month of April experienced some unusually warm days, but most days were cool.  Subsequently, some plants received a good jump-start to the growing season, but the cooler days delayed other plants.  Overall, the plants blooming now are on schedule compared to the past ten years of data collection.  For example, White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) was first observed flowering on April 24th

A total of 77 species were observed among 7 counties and regional municipalities surveyed.  Highlights were 1 new record for the EARTHQUEST Plants of Ontario database - Fumewort (Corydalis solida) plus 3 new records for Halton region  -  provincially rare Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus var. hispidus), Fumewort, and Bethlehem sage (Pulmonaria officinalis).

The most significant record belongs to Bristly Buttercup.  There are no Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Element Occurrence records for Halton region, so the EARTHQUEST record would be considered new for the NHIC.

Bristly Buttercup (R. hispidus var. hispidus)
Photo: Dave Jolly

Download your copy of the April, 2016 plant hunt summary.