wetlands

Rose Mallows in Bloom

| Flower Roberts

I spent some time at the New River Greenway today. This is part of a park complex in Boone, NC.

This park runs along the river which floods occasionally. Having designated areas as wetlands is win:win. The extra water has somewhere to go.

There is a trail around my favorite wetland. It has many aquatic plants that are of interest year-round.

Rose Mallows

The rose mallows were blooming today.  These are native perennials, Hibiscus moscheutos. There were many variations of pink and some gorgeous white flowers blooming for pollinators to visit. Hummingbirds and butterflies like these blooms.

Wetlands are important habitats. It’s a great place to look and listen for wildlife.

I heard an Indigo Bunting today, but never saw it.

FLOW

Wetlands are Important

| Flower Roberts

Wetlands are important habitats that tend to disappear as humans move into an area. Natural wetlands actually help the surrounding area by slowing runoff and filtering water. I am glad Boone created this beautiful site for walkers to observe.

Wetlands play vital roles

Wetlands includes many plants that serve as food and shelter for wildlife in the area.

Boone has created a wetlands habitat along its walking trails so that the plants and animal inhabitants can be viewed up close.

I was thrilled to hear and see a pair of redwing blackbirds when I visited the area last week.

Redwing blackbirds

This is a great way to encourage wildlife to live in the area and control water runoff and possible flooding. These signs help visitors identify the inhabitants in the area.

I look forward to watching this area change throughout the spring summer and fall. Stay tuned.

FLOW