Strolling through the verdant greens of summer, a soft breeze, does it get better than this? Whether I walk in the open fields of down in the tamarack shaded fens, I always feel better coming out than I did going in. If I spy a new for the season flower or butterfly, so much the better!

The May flowers have finally bloomed, like the lilacs they are slow to come this year. The iris' have yet to put on a show. Other species seem on the mark, their seasons overlapping some of the late arrivals. Tufted Loosestrife has put in it's quick appearance. Star Flowers seem to be showing up everywhere. Golden Ragweed dots the open wetlands, next to Golden Alexanders.

Dragonflies have emerged, zooming through the air on missions known only to them. Damselflies are lines of blue in the tall grasses. The first monarchs have arrived, hungry for a chance to feed on milkweed that has yet to bloom. Higher over head there is a change in the Summer sky over Camphill. The ospreys are absent, pushed from their hunting grounds by the territorial eagles with a chick in the nest to feed. They will find other places on the river and lakes to call their own. Deep in the woods the Barred Owls call from the thickest woods. Evenings are complete with the Woodcocks peenting over the fields.

After a bit of rain, badly needed in the fields and gardens, the fungi population should begin to show. Dryad's Saddle (or pheasant back) is common, and Chicken of the Woods glows yellow orange in the greens. Soon Indian pipe will lift their ghostly heads, seen only by those with a close eye to the ground.

I have updated the list of things blooming on the map in the tractor shed, if you want to know what to look for. Otherwise I suggest long and slow walks, just breathing in the summer air.