Black-tailed Deer
Several Black-tailed Deer were browsing by the roadside on the way up the hill in the morning, and a couple more at the end of the day on the way down. The last report of a Black Bear around the meadows was on July 19. Whiskey Jacks appear more numerous this year around the Centre - as with any wildlife, they should not be fed by humans - especially not junk food (i.e. white bread) which is no better for them than it is for people. A frequent question is why there are no garbage containers outside the Centre - the first answer is in order to not attract wildlife (not just bears, but birds & mice) which can quickly learn unwanted behaviour. The second answer to the garbage question is of course a basic 'Leave No Trace' principle of wilderness ethics - 'pack it in, pack it out' ! This applies to doggie bags as well - perhaps the dogs could be trained to 'pack it out'?
Dwarf nagoonberry
The hike around the Lake Helen Mackenzie loop was enjoyed by several participants , a couple of whom extended the outing with a foray to search for a reported glacier lily (found at higher elevations) - alas this turned out to be a tiger lily, which makes much more sense.The Lichen Nature Walk group however did find an unexpected plant - a dwarf nagoonberry (Rubus arcticus , probably ssp. acaulis) This shrub is not indicated as being found on Vancouver Island in Pojar & MacKinnon's Plants of Coastal BC, but is on Hans Roemer's list of Plants of Paradise Meadows. Thanks to Loys Maingon for the photo!
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