Botany Class 11

These two species are among the most fascinating plants to children as well as adults.

Botany Class 10

Violets are not always violet - in fact there are more species that are yellow.

Today & a Year Ago Today

Members of the Comox District Mountaineering Club did a three-hour snowshoe trek today around the 'Lakes Loop' - Battleship Lake & Lake Helen Mackenzie. A few snow flurries gave the trip a moody atmosphere.

Exactly one year ago, the CDMC trip had much more snow - here is a photo of the Wilderness Centre from Dec. 26, 2010 taken by Tim Penney.

Nordic ski trails in the meadows won't be groomed by Mt. Washington Alpine Resort until the snow depth reaches at least 1.8 m. to prevent damage to the fragile ecosystem of Strathcona Park beneath.

Winterizing

Strathcona Wilderness Institute Directors were up at the Wilderness Centre on Wednesday installing some protection for the building, in case there is a repeat of last year's snow levels.

The boards will hopefully keep snow away from the walls of the building. Snow depth at the Paradise Meadows elevation is so far just about 1 m compared with about 5 m at this time last year.

Botany Class 9

Two blooms that are fairly abundant in the meadows, both very striking when back-lit by the sun.

Botany Class 8

Two more small white flowers of the meadows, and how to distinguish them.

Botany Class 7

Ethnobotany, the study of the uses of plants by a group of people, is always a popular topic up at Paradise Meadows.

Mt Elma Snowshoe

A few days ago it was sunny up at Paradise Meadows - here is a link to a recent snowshoe trip by the Comox Valley Mountaineering Club, with report & photos by Tim Penney.

Peak Quake

What are the chances of being on top of a mountain during an earthquake??
It happened to a couple who hiked to the Golden Hinde, the highest mountain on Vancouver Island, in Strathcona Park, in September. Check out the detailed trip report for a full account of the six-day trip including the day of the ascent.

Botany Class 6

Two more plants that have white flowers on a slender stalk:

Botany Class 5

The wet fens of Paradise Meadows are ideal habitat for these beautiful orchids.

Botany Class 4

Visitors to the Wilderness Centre often asked for the names of these two abundant flowers seen on the way up to the Park.

Meadows Snowshoe

Members of  the Comox District Mountaineering Club did a snowshoe outing around the meadows a couple of days ago - here is a link to their trip report.  The skies were sunny up at 1100m although partly overcast down in the valley.

Botany Class 3

These two plants are distinctive during the whole summer in the meadows: usually the leaves are noticed first, then the flowers.

Holiday Season Begins

With seasonal holidays coming up, many people are preparing for giving gifts, and many organizations are looking for support. Strathcona Wilderness Institute is certainly one such organization that could use support for next year's programs & activities.

There are several potential projects: a community display about the organization, its history & the Park; an interpretive nature map of Paradise Meadows; an on-line plant identification gallery. You may even have  other suggestions?

If you have even the price of a cup of coffee to spare (o.k., maybe capuccino) there is a donate button on the right! Your support is appreciated!

Botany Class 2

Next in the series, two flowers named for their 'stellar' characteristics:

Botany Class

While the weather is dreary, I have been going through some summer photos in preparation for a photo guide to the plants of Paradise Meadows. To start, here are a couple of common early flowers of the meadows, and a tip on how to tell them apart.

Notes on Climate

Several interesting notes from the 1954 report on the Natural History of Forbidden Plateau Area related to 'Climate':

Notably, it mentions snow from end September to end May - lately, the range has been more like from end October to end June or even July!

A question that recurred a few times from hikers, was about the 'hanging ponds' in areas like the meadows: where surface water remains in ponds that are higher than the surroundings. A possible explanation is given in the last sentence of this paragraph:

The explanation of the 'elbowed' trees I was aware of though!

Winter 2011/12 - First snowshoe trip

Winter has definitely started in Strathcona Park. I did my first snowshoe trip of the 2011/2012 season yesterday and was able to walk almost the length of Battleship Lake on the ice, albeit along the very edge. Lake Helen Mackenzie is now iced over, but certainly not thick enough to walk on.

The SWI building looks nice in the virgin snow. Remember that it was completely buried last winter,  so we have a long way to go to break that record.

Strathcona Park Reserve

The 1954 report on the Natural History of the Forbidden Plateau Area gives a description of the area:

A quick map of the area described as the Strathcona Park Reserve is shown below:



You can see that most of the present Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Park is within the Reserve boundary described in 1929. On the other hand, at some point in time, a great part of the original Reserve area reverted back to private land.

Natural History of Forbidden Plateau Area

Recently a valuable historical document came into my hands - 'The Natural History of the Forbidden Plateau Area' , dated 1954, by George A. Hardy, Botanist and Entomologist of the Provincial Museum - now the Royal BC Museum - in Victoria.

This fascinating report starts with the topography, climate and geology of the area and then compiles information on the plants, invertebrates, insects, and vertebrates known to the area at that time. Several evocative photographs are included.

At the back, a fold-out map shows the area surveyed including  the 'Strathcona Park Reserve' - described as being much of the Forbidden Plateau area.

I will be looking through this document & posting some interesting excerpts over the next while.
One bit of trivia - did you know that other than the Royal Ontario Museum (established in 1912), the other Provincial Museums received the designation of 'Royal' as part of their name only after Queen Elizabeth II visited them - the Royal BC Museum in 1987, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in 1993,  the Royal Alberta Museum in 2005.

Nature Viewing Guide

Paradise Meadows is one of the special sites featured on a new Nature Viewing Guide brochure being produced by the Comox Valley Naturalists Society.

The brochure will be available at the next CVNS meeting on Sunday Nov. 20 - check their website for time & location. After that, the brochure will be available at the Comox Valley Visitors Centre and at other locations around the Valley.

An on-line version of the Comox Valley Nature Viewing Guide is already available - the website has much more detail & many more sites of interest around the Valley. Check out the Paradise Meadows page here.  There are links to photo galleries, bird & plant checklists, geology info & many more resources.

While it will be many months till spring & summer comes again to the meadows, there are many other nature viewing site to explore in the Valley in the meantime!

Snowy Sunset

Mount Albert Edward at twilight:

4:30 today, with a bit of snow at 1100 m., and temperature at about 4 degrees C.

Time Change & Time for a Change

As the time changes back from Daylight Savings Time, the seasons have definitely changed also, as new snow has fallen at Paradise Meadows at the 1100 m. elevation.
And, photographer Tim Penney has joined as a new blogger! Tim is a frequent winter explorer of Strathcona Park.

Late Fall Colour

Still a chance for fall colour in Paradise Meadows , but winter is about to start. Snow has fallen at 1100 m. although it is not lingering yet on sunny days.

Buckbean Pond

Tufted club rush & dwarf blueberry

Long shadows

Paradise Creek

Frosty Morning

Paradise Meadows has been getting frosty in the mornings lately - this photo from Sunday, with beautiful blue skies. With the radiating lines of the amphitheatre benches leading to the Wilderness Centre this extreme wide angle view gives the scene a dynamic and rather surreal energy.

Thanks to Tim Penney for the photo! More of Tim's work here.

57 Hikes

A Campbell River hiker has compiled an amazing report of 57 hikes completed in Strathcona Park this summer. Check it out on the Club Tread website here.

Volunteers & Visitors

Strathcona Wilderness Institute hosted a volunteer appreciation gathering yesterday - thanks again to all the Wilderness Centre staff, nature walk & talk and hike guides. SWI will be in touch with those who weren't able to attend.

A few highlights from the 2011 season:

6867 visitors assisted:
Centre staffed 82 days = overall average 84 visitors to the Centre per day.

In July, the Centre assisted 1589 visitors (25 days staffed=average 64 visitors/day); in August, 2814 visitors ( 28 days=average 103 visitors/day); and in September/Oct, 2464 visitors (29 days=85 visitors/day).

As in 2010, these numbers include those who attended walks, talks & hikes, as well as groups such as students who visited the Park. For 2011 these numbers also included those who attended the special Centennial events.

About 200 visitors were recorded at the Centre on the busiest days . The daily visitor averages in July were lower than in 2010, no doubt due to the late snow year, but the average numbers for August & September were similar to 2010. Overall numbers of visitors assisted was greatly increased from 2010 due to the Centre being staffed almost every day for the three summer months.

Visitors came from:
Comox Valley: 36%
North Vancouver Island : 9%
South Vancouver Island : 21.5%
Rest of BC : 8%
Rest of Canada : 8.5%
USA : 4.5%
UK/Europe/EU/Western Asia : 10%
Other Countries : 2.5%

The proportions are similar to 2010 with slightly higher CV & NVI visitors; slightly lower SVI visitors; slightly higher International visitors.

Countries represented:
Canada: 10 provinces/territories
BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, NWT.
USA: 30 states
Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York.
Europe/Western Asia: 23 countries
England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Israel.
Other countries: 16 countries
Australia, New Zealand
Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong
South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania
Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Guatemala .


Visitors were recorded from a much greater diversity of countries &  States than 2010.

Compare with last year's visitors here.

Snow Hiking

A recent report on the Club Tread website of a hike up Mt. Albert Edward found snow at the 1300 m. elevation. Check out the report here.

Above the Clouds

An outing today up  Mt. Washington, adjacent to Paradise Meadows & Strathcona Park, to find blue sky above the clouds that covered the Comox Valley. Fresh snow is at about 1400 m.

From the top of the ski hill, you can see all your favourite peaks. Mt. Albert Edward & Mt Regan, with an interesting snow-covered ridge between - not visible from lower viewpoints.

Comox Glacier with Battleship Lake in the foreground

The Golden Hinde, highest mountain on Vancouver Island at 2200 m.

Sooty Grouse prints in the sub-alpine

Martin also preferred the trails, leaving prints

Striking view down into Paradise Ponds, circled by the Centennial boardwalk.

End of Season

Last day of opening for the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre today - some great visitors & some good weather!

Very few items were turned in this season to the lost & found - here is a list of what we have:
pale blue cushion
green Kelty kid's daypack
child's blue/green/white sunhat
childs pink mitten
child's blue mitten
6" lightstick
orange tent poles
black umbrella w/music motif
red/black cell phone holder
black plastic frame sunglasses
silver plastic frame sunglasses
silver dangle earring w/glass facet
Jeep key
Oceans Resort key

After Oct. 13 , most items will go to a 2nd-hand store.
Visitors reported several lost cameras & cell phones but none were turned in to the Centre. If you want to help connect some items contact coordinator(at)strathconapark.org

Changing Seasons

Fresh snow has fallen on the higher mountains, and fall colours are just starting to change in the meadows.

Bunchberry blossoms have given way to berries.

Late-blooming king gentian is abundant in the meadows.

Finally saw the elusive Great Blue Heron in the meadows that has been reported over the last couple of weeks. Sandhill Cranes have been flying over, migrating south.

Sunny Days Ahead

The forecast looks good tomorrow for the final nature walk of the season at the Wilderness Centre. Margaret Symon will guide a walk around the meadows looking at Lichens & Trees starting at 1p.m. Thurs. 29th.

The last official day for the Centre to be open for information is Sunday Oct. 2.

Wild Weather

The wet & windy weather of the past couple of days has meant some difficulties in Strathcona Park. On Sunday a hiker who had tried to venture up Mt. Albert Edward was rescued after spending the night outdoors, making headlines . A reminder that hikers need to be prepared for all weather conditions & carry map & compass.

For a look back at better weather, check out the Island Nature blog - several postings in August focussed on the flowers of Paradise Meadows.

Rainy Day Hike

The guided hike scheduled yesterday to Panther Lake had a slight change of plans - since the day started rainy, the handful of hardy hikers went to the Kwai Lake area instead. The weather cleared somewhat by later in the day.
The forecast looks better by later in the week, for the final program in the Wilderness Centre schedule: a Nature Walk on Thurs. Sept. 29 on Trees & Lichens with RPF Margaret Symon.  The walk around the boardwalk starts at 1 p.m.

Marvelous Marmots

In spite of the drizzly weather, the presentation on Marvelous Marmots was full to capacity! Alana Buchanan of the Marmot Recovery Centre on Mt. Washington gave an entertaining talk to a couple dozen kids & a half-dozen adults. She is happy to give the talk to any other group interested - contact the Centre at coordinator(at)strathconapark(dot)org to get her contact info.

Paradise Meadows today was actually almost above the cloud - the sun appeared several times & there was a rainbow on the way down the hill! Often when the weather appears cloudy in the Comox Valley it will be nice at 1100 m. elevation.

Valleyview Field Day

A beautiful day for a field trip yesterday, as a couple dozen kids from Valleyview Elementary with parents & teacher came up to the meadows for a day hike.

After a bit of an overview about Strathcona Park, wilderness ethics & Leave No Trace principles, the group looked at some plants & trees around the boardwalk.

The skies stayed blue for lunch at Lake Helen Mackenzie.

A highlight of the day was a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. This is the time of year that they migrate over the Park - some people think they are Canada Geese, but the croak of the cranes is unmistakable.

Any school group that is planning a visit to the Park is welcome to contact Strathcona Wilderness Institute - with just a couple days notice, we can arrange to have the Wilderness Centre open for information, and perhaps provide a naturalist guide.

The presentation at the Wilderness Centre tomorrow at 1 p.m. should appeal to students of all ages. "Marvelous Marmots" will give you a view behind the scenes of the Marmot Recovery Centre. No worries about inclement weather as the presentation will be indoors.

September Flowers

September flowers are in abundance at Paradise Meadows in spite of occasional September showers! Although the weather has been mixed, it is still great for hiking & exploring.

Sub-alpine daisy

Sitka burnet

Great burnet

White bog-orchid

Mountain arnica

Still some foamflower blooming

Indian hellebore just starting to turn a beautiful gold

A few king gentian are just now starting to bloom. Arctic lupine and white-flowered rhododendron are continuing. Some blueberries are ripening on the bushes - the leaves are not yet turning colour. 

New September Programs

Aiming to extend the summer season, Strathcona Wilderness Institute has scheduled several additional programs at the Wilderness Centre this month.

Thursday Sept. 22, 1 pm:
Nature Talk with Alana Buchanan of the Marmot Recovery Centre at Mt. Washington: a presentation which will appeal to all ages - “Marvelous Marmots: Fun, Fact & Fiction”.  The Recovery Centre is not open to the public, so this event is a chance to see behind the scenes: what the facility looks like, how it runs, and what they do with the captive marmots. The presentation will be indoors at the Wilderness Centre.

Saturday Sept. 24, 8 am: 
Level 3 Hike with guide Julian Brooks  to Johnston & Panther Lakes. This 9-hr. hike will visit an area of Forbidden Plateau less known to many hikers. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Wilderness Centre, wear proper boots, and poles are advisable. The trail is poor in places, and there will be some bushwhacking. Age 16 and over only, no dogs please. In case of poor weather the destination may change. Please pre-register at coordinator (at) strathconapark.org as the group size is limited to 15 people.

Thursday Sept. 29, 1 p.m:
Nature Walk with forester Margaret Symon focusing on lichens, trees, and the sub-alpine ecosystem. Margaret is an engaging presenter for all ages, and her nature walk last year was the most popular walk of that season.

For all activities: dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, bring lunch or snacks, plenty of water, bug spray and sun protection. No pets please on SWI guided nature walks & hikes.  Programs are free, although a donation of $5 –10 is appreciated to help with the Institute’s ongoing activities. All SWI activities start at the Wilderness Centre. 

Augerpoint & Castlecrag

The report of a recent trip by the Comox District Mountaineering Club, combining the Augerpoint Traverse & the Castlecrag circuit, has just been posted on their website. The group had a spectacular trek with  the clear skies & full moon of last week.

Wilderness Picnics

Wilderness visitors of all ages & abilities are greatly enjoying the new picnic tables installed in front of the Wilderness Centre by BC Parks last month.

The Wilderness Centre is obviously a great destination  for the location & the views, even if not hiking. Thanks to Kate for the photo!

Recent Reports

Recent birds reported at Paradise Meadows include Red Crossbills, a family of Olive-side Flycatchers, and a Vaux's Swift. An American Dipper was reported in one of the little waterfalls of Paradise Creek.

Some missing items reported also - a couple of cameras in particular. The Wilderness Centre has a lost & found box if anything is turned in between 9 a.m - 4 p.m - otherwise, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort also has a lost & found - contact them here.

Recent reports from the Buttle Lake area of Strathcona Park, via Gerry Roberts, the SWI director who staffs the Buttle Lake Information Hut:

Marble Meadows - Wheaton Hut  is easily accessible but still lots of snow. Ice-axes and crampons a must if especially if ascending Mount McBride, Marble Peak and Morrison Spire areas.

Marble Meadows: Morrison Spire in the centre,  Marble Peak on the right

Big Interior Mountain - Crampons and ice-axes a must, conditions extremely slippery and difficult even when cutting big deep steps in the ice/frozen snow.
Mount Tom Taylor - Unsafe without crampons and ice-axe.
Crest Mountain Trail - The wasp's nest on the narrow's bridge left handrail has been smashed & treated with wasp killing spray but may still be active or another nest constructed in the area so keep watch.
Cream Lake - Beyond Bedwell Lake towards Cream Lake, the route still mostly snow covered. Little Jim Lake has some open water at the edges. Cream Lake open but Big Jim and Andrew Lakes still frozen and snow covered.
This season there has been more sightings of Cougars than usual, even reports of Cougar in the alpine and on the snow in the Bedwell Lake & Drinkwater Pass area. Here is a link to BC Parks info about safety around wildlife.

Augerpoint Traverse

A quick report of the Augerpoint Traverse from last week - five days, four nights, westward from Paradise Meadows to Buttle Lake.
The route goes over Mt. Albert Edward & down the south-west ridge & then back up to Ruth Masters Lake, then up again to a ridge (with side trip up Augerpoint Mountain) leading to Jack Shark's Augerpoint trail, down to Buttle Lake. Total distance about 35 km, cumulative elevation gain about 2000m.

Castlecrag in the misty morning, on the way up to Mt. Albert Edward

Bonsai arrangement

Sickletop lousewort

Moat Lake & Castlecrag

Red paintbrush

Heading up to the peak of Mt. Albert Edward

Sooty Grouse

Many plants found only in the alpine:

Silky phacelia

Spreading phlox

Western anemone seedheads

Waterfall outflow from Ruth Masters Lake

Skim of ice on Ruth Masters Lake

Some uncommon plants at Ruth Masters Lake:

Columbia Lewisia

Yellow mountain-heather

Tolmie's saxifrage

Mt. George V above Ruth Masters Lake

Mt. Regan & Mt. Albert Edward from Augerpoint Mountain

 

Bonsai on Augerpoint Trail ridge

Buttle Lake from top of Augerpoint Trail

Sedum sp.

Sunset on Augerpoint Trail ridge

Golden Hinde morning