More Fond Memories of Alaska

I have a few more wonderful memories from my recent trip to Juneau, Alaska, this time in the realm of flora and fauna. To start, it was such a thrill to watch a black bear forage for greens on the side of the road. He was probably fresh from hibernation and very hungry (dandelions seemed to be his favorite). 

Black bear out near Eagle River area

It was also fascinating to see the engineering work of the beavers near Mendenhall Glacier. The beavers dam a waterway, which floods the land and creates a pond and a new home for the beaver family. The dead trees are a little unsightly, but they are used by the beavers and help create an ecosystem for other critters. Nothing goes to waste. 

Beaver dam near Mendenhall Glacier

Birds are abundant in Southeast Alaska (a good pair of binoculars should always be in the car or the back pack). I reported on the birds we spotted on the Audubon cruise. Here are a few more avian species that I saw while out and about (the quality isn't great, so I'm obviously challenged when photographing birds with my cell phone)!

An unkindness of ravens near the landfill

Clockwise from top left: Red-breasted sapsucker, eagle in the tree top, eagle in flight, and a single raven on an old snag

Trees are abundant in Southeast Alaska, and especially green and lush in the Juneau area due to so much rain. My dad worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a research scientist, specializing in Sitka spruce and other native trees. Our family hikes were filled with interesting information about trees, shrubs, and the ecosystems that supported them. Dad's enthusiasm was contagious, and I credit my interest in plants to those family hikes.

Spruce tree on one of the islands in the wetlands

My brother Dave also shared interesting information about plants, wildlife, and the terrain as we hiked and roamed during my visit. In addition, my childhood friend Ulla showed me some of the trees that were dislodged, when the Mendenhall River flooded with water that had built up behind Mendenhall Glacier (a jökulhlaup).

Emerging spruce tips (bright green) and cones (red)

Trees dislodged by a jökulhlaup

The flowers were emerging very slowly during my six-week visit, probably due to the long cool spring. Luckily the hardy dandelions were everywhere, just in time for hungry bears and deer. I know from my trip last year (June-September 2024) that many more native and exotic plants will bloom this summer: Alaskan roses, astilbe, buttercup, fireweed, forget-me-not, foxglove, garden loosestrife, iris, ladies' mantle, orange hawkweed, peonies, Shasta daisy, thistle, and more!

Clockwise from top left: salmonberry blossom, shooting stars, lupines, and dandelions

Finally, I'm always on the lookout for interesting moss, lichen and algae! I was not disappointed. I found specimens near the glacier, on the beach, in the forest, on the wetlands, and in my parent's yard. I collected a few samples that might be good candidates for dye sources, with the right mordants, additives, and fixatives.

Clockwise from top left: lichens on a rock outcrop, detail of a lichen, algae, a colony of algae, lichen on the ground, lichen hanging from a tree

That wraps it up. I really enjoyed spending six weeks in Alaska with family and friends, watching spring unfold, and enjoying community life. I love the grand and small beauty, and love all the rain. It's also good to be back in my home and garden, with family and friends and our garden!

Fond Memories of Alaska

I've been home for about a month now, after my six-week trip to Alaska to visit my mom, dad, and brother. It's always nice to get back to your own home and garden, but I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Juneau, Alaska. I enjoyed being in nature, watching the slow spring emerge, spending time with my family, participating in activities, enjoying the spirit of the place, and renewing childhood friendships. Here are a few shots from my visit.

Chilkat Mountain Range

I'm continually captivated by the Chilkat Mountain Range, which is visible from my folks' front porch, from Douglas Island, out the road, and from the sea. The mountain range seemed especially big and grand and magical this year, possibly because the tops were still snow covered. The mountains are almost shape shifters, changing their appearance when seen from different vantage points and in different weather conditions.

Chilkat Range from Caroline's Point

Chilkat Range from Sunshine Cove

It is always a treat to hang out with Alaskans. They are a can-do, hardy lot, and passionate about the outdoors. If the sun comes out, they drop everything to get out in it. (And really, if it's raining they are probably out in it anyway and enjoying themselves)! I had so many wonderful outings with my brother and mom, and enjoyed reconnecting with several childhood chums. 

Hiking on the wetlands with brother Dave

Hiking and birding with Ulla and friends

Photographing lichen with Dave

Childhood chum, Ulla, and I holding the cakes

Alaskans also appreciate the arts and culture, and support both outside and local talent. During the visit, we took in events at the Jazz and Classics Festival, TrollFest, Mother's Day at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a couple of True Crime talks by local reporters, piano performances at the Pioneer Home, and an Audubon cruise. These events are often followed by a meal at a favorite restaurant, with lots of conversation and opinions.

Tom Locher on piano at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Bear claw - indigenous art on native land

TJ on Piano is a big hit at the Pioneer Home

It was also a treat to be back in my childhood home, which Mom and Dad built over the years as the family grew and we needed more room. The house is snug and comfortable, and filled with wonderful history, memories, and craftsmanship.

My childhood home (with spring grass just starting to grow)

Dad has the best workshop

The view from my old room

Finally, there is that view of the Chilkat Mountain Range from my folks' place. The view changes continually with the weather, the seasons, and the time of day, so it never gets old.

View of the Chilkats

Field Notes for June 2025

 Welcome back to Field Notes!

June 1, 2025

After six weeks in Alaska, I'm back in our landscape and it is beautiful! Lots of perennial and annual flowers are in bloom. Many plants are establishing themselves (second year "creep"). Native bees and hummingbirds are visiting the flowers and loving it. Birds are foraging for grass seeds on the ground, as well as eating at the Bird Buddy feeder.

Flowers in the rock garden are thriving

Perennials and annuals bloom by the front path

June 3, 2025

Admittedly, there is a lot of weeding and grooming to be done in the landscape. Some of the grasses have already gone to seed and turned golden brown. The planting beds, on close inspection, are a wild tangle of perennials, annuals, and some invasive weeds and vines. Weeds have popped up in the paths that wind through the property (zoom in on the photo to see the weeds that have cropped up since I left for Alaska in April). It's taking me awhile to sort it all out!

The path to the lower yard is filled with weeds

Weeds are also lurking in the wild tangle of plants

June 6, 2025

This year's crop of baby birds has been feeding at the Bird Buddy feeder. You can tell them by their  diminutive size and the occasional bit of down mixed in with their feathers. The neighborhood cats have taken notice, so I shoo them away whenever I see them.

 

Several of this year's baby birds

June 9, 2025

Sunday at the Farmer's Market in Montclair Village! This time I picked up peaches and blueberries for fresh fruit desserts, greens for salads, and stir fry veggies for a chicken stir fry with udon noodles. The creative juices start to flow when seeing all that delicious produce, and it's fun to interact with the growers in their booths.

Enticing booths at the Montclair Farmer's Market on Sundays

Fresh vegetables ready to become masterpieces

Fresh produce for the week

Here in the Bay Area, we have many Farmers' Markets available through the Pacific Coast Farmer's Market Association (PCFMA) and the Urban Village Farmers Market Association (UVFMA). See you there!

June 12, 2025

I'm in the midst of learning about heucheras, because my Heuchera maximas are a hot mess! Those in the front planter seem to be growing out of control, and the leaves are covered with some kind of damage. Research indicates it could be caused by a leaf fungus or rust, possibly caused by over crowding or poor drainage. Organic methods are available for controlling leaf damage, but I suspect the plants need to be thinned for better airflow.

Heuchera with dead or necrotic leaves

I started by trimming damaged leaves from several heucheras. With the leaves cleared away, I got a better glimpse of how the plant grows. An above-ground stem spreads out from a central root and produces leaves. A week after thinning several plants, new leaves have started to emerge.

New leaves from the above-ground stem

I also learned that for ongoing maintenance, the roots need to be thinned every 2-5 years. The stems can be potted in soil to root new heuchera plants. The spent leaves can be cleaned up in spring or fall. I also learned that "Alum root" is one of the common names for heuchera, because the root can be used like alum as a mordant for dyeing fabric.

                                  

June 14, 2025

Sometimes in the garden of life, you have to take action. You might need to pull weeds, manage pests, trim a plant that has grown out of scale, or remove a tree that has become diseased. Today my husband and I exercised our first amendment right to free speech by joining the No Kings Protest in Oakland. It was a non-violent, family-friendly march through downtown Oakland to speak out about overreach and threats to our constitution and democracy.

No kings in our garden

The crowd was estimated to be about 10,000 strong, and as diverse as our nation. Families with children, gray haired seniors, teens and college kids, First Nations people, immigrants from around the globe (recent as well as descendants of the Pilgrims), LGBTQ+ community, veterans, labor and workers of all types (including those struggling to find work). Real Americans, exercising their rights and doing their duty to protect them.

Signs of the times

March down Broadway in Oakland, CA

June 18, 2025

I recently read Forgotten Murders from Alaska's Capital, by Betsy Longenbaugh (Epicenter Press, Washington, 2022). Longenbaugh describes ten murders from the first half of the 20th century, which occurred when Alaska was still a territory or on the cusp of statehood (January 3, 1959). The book is well researched and the stories well told, providing a glimpse into the people drawn to early Alaska. True crime isn't for everyone, but I found the stories and people quite fascinating, and appreciated Longenbaugh's empathy for the victims and their families.

Former Juneau criminal reporters Betsy Longenbaugh and Ed Schoenfeld give "Death with Dessert" presentations in Juneau throughout the year, and walking tours in the summer. 

June 20, 2025 🌷

Today is the summer solstice, and the longest day of the year! Soak in the sun (or whatever weather comes your way), and enjoy the long days of the new season!

June 23, 2025

According to the Audubon Society, California is one of the most diverse birding states in the country, and home to nearly two-thirds of all North American bird species. Over 600 bird species have been recorded in the state, and 450 of them are commonly observed. California is also home to 175 Important Bird Areas (IBAs); one of only 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots; and a critical link along the Pacific Flyway—a migration route used by millions of birds each year.

California Towhee (Melozone crissalis) at the feeder

The Audubon Birds of California website is a great resource for birders in California. Some of my favorites include:

• Audubon Magazine - lots of great articles, including "10 Ways to Take Better Smartphone Photos" (I definitely need this).

• Audubon App - downloadable from the iPhone App Store and Android Google Play (would be interesting to compare with the Merlin Bird ID App).

• Guide to North American Birds - try out their filters to find your bird and learn more about it (for example, the California Towhee).

• Bird Friendly Native Plants - find native plants that attract and benefit birds in your zip code. Create a bird-friendly habitat right in your own back yard.

June 27, 2025 

It's good to be back with the Over-the-Hills Gang and to hike at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. For Tuesday's hike, the weather was overcast, misty, and quite chilly. I joined retired friends, Mari and Gaymond, and Gaymond's grandson, Jayden, for a hike through the cathedral of redwoods, lead by Anthony Fisher. We followed the Stream Trail along the creak, and checked for native rainbow trout at one of the bridges. The park is part of the ancestorial home of the Huchiun Ohlone Chochenyo speaking people.

Hiking through the redwoods on a cool, overcast day

A favorite highlight of this trail is seeing the ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) that congregate at a particular location along the trail. They were moving around, but slowly, possibly because of the cool morning temperature. Anthony brought ginger and lemon flavored cookies for the half-way point in our hike. Always a treat.

A loveliness of ladybugs

Half-way point cookie break

A group of us decided to return to the parking lot via the Bridle Trail, which parallels the Stream Trail but at a higher elevation. We finished our outing with lunch at nearby Sparky's Giant Burgers. Next visit I plan to locate the fish ladder that was built to help native trout on their seasonal migration up Redwood Creek from Upper San Leandro Reservoir (Historical Landmark No. 970). These hikes are so much fun, and the pace and company are excellent. Check the website to learn more about upcoming events at Reinhard Redwood. 

June 30, 2025

While at Redwood Regional Park, we spotted an assortment of interesting plants and fungus, as well as a hollow apple tree with a great crop of small apples! Here are a few snapshots (caution: my identifications are a work in progress). Clockwise from the top left corner: Spice bush blossom (Calycanthus occidentalis; endemic to California), Turkey tail fungus (Trametes versicolor), Blushing bracket fungus (Daedaleopsis confragosa), Baneberry (Actaea rubra), and Bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa).

Summer plants and fungus at Redwood Regional Park

Hollow apple tree with a good crop of apples