The idea behind backyard science is that the average person can gather important information simply by being aware (and careful and methodical) of what is going on in their backyard. And here's one more thing - the more you know, the more you can learn. Because then you know what to look for.
The photos in this diary were taken yesterday (Sunday 01/22/2012) in Chattahoochee Nature Park, along the Apalachicola River in north Florida. I participated in a work day in the morning, removing invasive plants growing in the forest.
The Apalachicola is by far the largest river in the Florida panhandle, bringing large amounts of water down to Apalachicola bay and supporting, among other things, an important oyster fishery. The river is important to the biodiversity of the region in other ways as well - it serves as both a barrier and a corridor.
Many less mobile species have not been able to cross the river on a regular basis. It serves as the boundary of many species ranges and has been responsible for the evolutionary of different forms of species on opposite sides of the river.
More importantly, for our diary today, the river with its steep bluffs and ravines provides a cool moist habitat relatively to the pine forests that once dominated this part of the world. Many northern species reach their southern-most limit in this area and some are relicts of a colder time, found nowhere else in the world.
The spring wildflowers are reminiscent of a more northerly forest and were already blooming in this preternaturally warm winter.
I have never seen so many trout lilies in my life. This species, Erythronium umbilicatum is only found in two counties in Florida (although widespread elsewhere) on either side of the Apalachicola river.
This is Trillium lancefolium, a state-endangered species and known in Florida from only three counties.
A wild onion, probably in the genus Nothoscordum but I'm quite prepared to be wrong about that.
A native species of Oxalis (wood sorrel)
Not everything has flowers - this a grape fern (Botrychium species), a primitive fern that bears is spore producing structures on a stalked structure.
This unassuming shrub is a Torreya. This conifer is only found in a few spots along the Apalachicola river. A disease has killed most of the adult trees above ground but shoots still emerge from roots of the old trees. Active propagation is attempting to prevent the extinction of this ancient plant. It's global range is limited to three counties in northwest Florida.
Just to remind you of the important conservation work being done here is our very own PHScott. Although he and I came from a bit further afield, two of the six volunteers yesterday live within walking distance of the park. Their lives are enriched by knowing what is, almost literally, in their backyards.