Heat and rain. It seems like that is all we have for weather these days. Spending time outdoors is more challenging as the temp climbs. Even with the adverse conditions, we managed to get out there two weeks ago for a nature walk. The vernal pool was observed and differences noted between it and the "swamp" only feet away. We dipped a net in the still open water and captured water boatmen. They paddled around our holding pond as we took turns with magnifying glasses.

We swung the net at butterflies, but they proved faster than us! We saw Cabbage Whites and Clouded Sulphers hovering in the puddles on the road. Summer Azures and Common Wood Nymphs fluttered through the pasture grasses. A Monarch floated overhead. Could it have been one of the two we released the day before? Jeff thought it could be!

Moths scattered as we hurried through the pines, pushed by persistent mosquitos, pausing only to see the ferns for a moment.

The swamp was covered in vegetation and we took a good look at Arrowhead leaves, finding tiny holes where some insect had eaten its lunch. Cattails and reeds stood head high. Field horsetail was abundant and we took a moment to look close at the joints that pull apart like legos.

Come out and walk with us, or just with me, or on your own. Nature is waiting.

One of the two released Monarchs.This is the female that choose to hang around for a while.