6/1/08 – Spring’s blanket of green comes late in canoe country. But, it’s finally here. During the last two days, the boreal floor has sprouted to life with plants just as eager for winter’s end, and summer’s arrival, as we are. – Eric


Two species of violets, the wooly blue violet and the downy yellow violet have just recently become visible – a few weeks overdue. These tiny, delicate flowers will grow to be larger as the solstice approaches. Rather than these colorful flowers dispersing seeds, violets will grow a second flower at the plant’s base.

Flowers of wild strawberries dot the forest floor. Until they fruit, mouths around here will be drooling in anticipation.