We had a beautiful day and a large group for our visit to Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory on March 27.Jason Love, Long Term Ecological Research Site Manager, started the day with an excellent film giving a history of the site and of the Research Station. He then elaborated on the site development and discussed some of the on-going research. Started in 1934 and consisting of 15 watersheds, the Lab provides one of the longest continuous records of water and its effects in the world.Patsy Clinton, Hydrologic Technician, then discussed data collection and took us on a tour of weather stations. We also visited a weir and along the walk, Jason was able to catch for our up-close viewing a rare Silvery Blue Butterfly. Our timing was perfect as this beautiful butterfly is out only 3 weeks of the year, when Carolina Vetch is in bloom.We were also lucky to have Dan Pittillo with us. He oversaw the inventory of plants on the site in 1970’s and of course helped us see and identify plants on our walk.You can find more info and download publications and research papers at https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/coweeta/ Of course Karen and David’s photos tell it best:
David Fann's images covered our experience very well:
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| Dr. Dan Pittillo |
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| Fraser's Sedge |
Karen shares the closer view and more of the wildflowers blooming:
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| Trailing Arbutus |
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| Bittercress |
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| Carolina Vetch |
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| Star Chickweed |
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| Silvery Blue Butterfly, female |
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| Silvery Blue butterfly female |
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| Silvery blue butterfly, male |
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| Summer Azure butterfly |
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| Robin's Plantain |
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| Yellowroot |
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| Blue Ridge Bittercress |
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Top of Fraser's Sedge bloom
Thanks to Patsy and Jason for a stimulating and enlightening program!! |
A few more: Thanks Kathy
