FOUR WALKS AT KSR, Part 1

Terrain at Jokers Hill is varied. The KSR website describes the site this way:

“Most of Jokers Hill is blanketed by a mosaic of wetlands and forests, including Ontario’s largest remaining stand of old-growth hardwood. In this Ecological Observatory, scientists monitor, measure and analyze natural processes as they unfold. The hayfield and pastures--relics of the equestrian days--are an Ecological Laboratory where researchers perform intensively manipulative experiments that subject theories about the environment to scientifically rigorous testing.”

I first walked through a part of this mosaic in late March, following Art along a series of forest paths that went up and down and wound around till I had no idea where I was. With little undergrowth the forest felt open and spare, though we did have to clamber over some downed trees. The ground was coated with last years’ leaves, the trees bare, but we found hepatica emerging, pushing through the leaf carpet.

                           

It felt good to be walking outdoors, even on a chilly and overcast day—stretching out after the hunkering down of winter. The fields and pastures were post-winter pale, the colour of faded straw. At the pond willows and birches were beginning to leaf, throwing lovely reflections into the water.

On our walk we met a couple of students—both named Emily—who had been out checking research plots. They had also found hepatica, but spoke of it by its Latin name, anemone, giving me some new vocabulary. I do in fact hope to master some technical vocabulary during my time on the Reserve. By “master” I mean learn… and remember.

While we walked Art talked about the site, telling stories of former owners, of areas regenerating, of watersheds, of relationships among plants. By now I’ve forgotten many of the details, so I’m no surer of those stories than of the paths we walked. Another nudge to work on remembering.

Note to self: take field notes … or write up what you’ve seen and heard when you get home.