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News & Updates from 3/2025

Spring Wildflower BioBlitz

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March 24, 2025

Become a citizen scientist and discover the spring beauty and diversity of wildflowers.

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While walking through the woods, you might notice

While walking through the woods, you might notice a dark green, damp carpet growing on a rock near a stream, or perhaps light gray, leafy-like plants growing in patches on a tree. You might wonder out loud, “Which one is a lichen, and which one is a moss?” It’s a great question, one that many people ask.

Think of moss as a plant without roots to absorb water. Moss acts like a sponge, soaking up water and nutrients.

Lichen, on the other hand, is a combination of two organisms: fungi and algae. They share a symbiotic relationship, with the algae providing food for the fungi through photosynthesis, while the fungi shield the algae from the sun, preventing it from drying out.

For more information on lichen and moss, check out this link:
https://nature.ca/en/moss-and-lichen-wait-whats-the-difference/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20a%20moss%20is%20a%20simple,just%20as%20with%20trees%2C%20ferns%20and%20wildflowers.

Mark your calendar!!

Mark your calendar!!

As you stroll through the parks this time of year,

As you stroll through the parks this time of year, you might notice delicate, bell-shaped white flowers emerging from the ground. These are snowdrops, signaling that warmer weather is on the way! These unique flowers aren't just ordinary blooms; they contain special proteins that help them withstand freezing temperatures. Additionally, they produce an organic compound that’s used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease! So these small fragile flowers are not that small at all!

Fiddlesqueak! Mudbat! Bogsucker! Peent piper! No,

Fiddlesqueak! Mudbat! Bogsucker! Peent piper! No, these aren't just a bunch of made up curse words (OK, maybe one), but most are nicknames for the Timberdoodle, a tiny shorebird with a big personality.
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Our group got a chance to dance with the 'doodles this evening at Pipewort Pond. Thanks to everyone who made it out! If you missed it, check out our Wednesday Bird Walks and Creatures of the Night programs on our Facebook events & elkhartcountyparks.org
🌙🪽

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