By Janelle Eklund
Scattered along roads and in the forest splashes of yellow accent the forest bouquet of other colorful plants dressed in pinks, blues, whites, creams, and reds.
 
Large leaves of Black-Tipped Groundsel are at its base. As I slide my finger along the edge of the long leaves I feel tiny pointy protrusions. One or two single smaller leaves grace the stem. Twirling the stem between my two fingers the surface feels bumpy. On closer inspection with my hand lens, ridges line the circumference of the stem.
 
At the top the main stem fans out into many smaller stems where miniature leaves - bracts - circle longer green bracts. The triangular tip of each miniature bract is painted black, thus the name Black-Tipped Groundsel. Small spider web like hairs surround the bracts. A handy hand lens opens up this small world. Long thin yellow petals twirl out from the circle of bracts. In the center yellow pistils explode like a circle of fireworks.
 
As I inspect the plant with my hand lens it focuses on a beautiful critter sitting on a leaf bract seeming to be in suspended animation. Transparent wings with dark lines running through them are attached to its green puffy body. Six legs with bent knees seem to be resting. A shiny ball looking like a drop of water rests at the base of its neck. Two tiny black eyes are looking directly at the black tip of a bract. Above the eyes two antennae protrude from its head. It only slightly moved once during my long inspection.  I don't know bugs very well but suspect it's an aphid. As much as we don't like these little critters, they are beautiful.
 
Invest in a hand lens and jump into the inner recesses of plants to explore their magical world.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories by Eric Hultén
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By Janelle Eklund
I enjoy each day greeting Astragalus americanus on my walk. They grow in graceful bunches about 18" high. It is fun to examine them getting up close and personal.
 
Opposite leaves attached to slender stems form a stair step pattern up a thick sturdy trunk. Back lighted leaves reveal lots of veins trailing off from the main center artery. The hand lens magnifies little hairs on the backs of the leaves scattered like the little hairs on your arm. Toward the top, long bare stems shoot upright from the base of leaf branches. At the top clusters of creamy green tinged flowers languidly wave in the breeze. Under close examination, each floweret arcs from stem opening into two tiny eared petals above an open jaw petal encased by two side petals whose ends look like little eyes when fully developed.
 
Using the senses to explore further, my hand tells me its leaves feel soft, my nose inhales its rich green aroma. As I bring my nose to touch the flowers they impart a slight hint of green sweetness. My ears listen to its quiet movement in response to winds breath. My taste buds welcome an intermingling of slight bitter sweetness from its leaves.
 
Astragalus americanus is important in the medicinal plant kingdom. It is almost identical to Astragalus membranaceus which is a very important herb in Chinese medicine (Moore 1993). Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) is a key ingredient in Fu Zheng therapy (herbal treatment used to enhance the immune system during chemo and radiation therapy). In Chinese medicine it is used for lowered immunity, poor digestion, prolapsed organs, fatigue, recovery from loss of blood, chronic sores and wounds.  It invigorates chi, strengthens the body’s superficial resistance, promotes diuresis, drains pus and reduces swelling.  (Foster and Chongxi 1992, Tierra 2003, Winston 2003, Yance 2004).
 
The roots and stems can be made into cold infusions (2-3 fluid ounces, up to 3 times per day) and fresh root tincture (1:2, 30 to 60 drops, up to four times a day) as a antimicrobial, and tonic for hyperglycemia and hypertension. (Michael Moore, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West)
 
My herbalist friend likes to make a chai tea using it along with other herbs such as codonopsis, ashwaganda, American ginseng, burdock root, yellow dock, licorice root, orange peel, sarsaparilla, sassafras, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper. It sounds wonderful.
 
Discover and explore this plant on your next walk with nature.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: Foster, Steven and Yue Chongxi.  1992.  Herbal Emissaries, Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West.  Vermont:  Healing Arts Press.  356 pp.; Tierra, Lesley. 2003. Healing with the Herbs of Life.  Berkeley:  Crossing Press.  458 pp; Winston, David.  2003.  Herbal Therapeutics.  Specific Indications for Herbs and Herbal Formulas.  Broadyway, NJ:  Herbal Therapeutics Research Library.  100 pp.; Yance, Donald.  2004.  Herbs, Phytonutrients, and Nutritional Agents for Integrative Oncology.  Lecture Notes.  Atlanta, GA.; Moore, Michael.  2003.  Herbal Materia Medica 5.0. http://wwwswsbm.com.manualsMM/MatMed5.txt; Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore.
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By Janelle Eklund
It was fairly early in May and the air was filled with tiny white moths. Breathing could be a chore without channeling them into your nose. They lasted for about two weeks or so and then they seemed to disappear. Not so.
 
These adults had nestled under the leaf litter of Spruce, Balsam Poplar, and Aspen trees during the long winter months. As the Aspen and Balsam Poplar trees were just beginning to bud Leaf Miner was waking to the call of the hot month of May we had one year. They emerged in droves. The hotter and dryer it is the more they seem to like it. Populations are higher in than wetter, cooler years. Once they emerge they have a hay day feeding and mating for about two weeks. By this time the Aspen and Balsam Poplar buds have changed into beautiful lime green leaves. I love the shimmer of this welcoming greenness. But that initial burst doesn't last, particularly during years of lots of leaf miners.
 
Leaf miners then got busy laying their eggs. When populations of adults are low they lay one or two eggs per leaf. When populations are high they can lay up to seven eggs per leaf. Eggs are laid on the edge of the leaf so the adult can fold the leaf over the egg like a blanket, protecting it until the larvae hatch. At that time, like any newborn, they are hungry. They tunnel into the leaf and feed on it between the epidermal tissue. Most of it is done during the late stage of their larval growth lasting about two weeks. They are tiny white flat critters about 5 mm long. You can see how thin the leaves are so these little babies are REALLY flat. So flat that their trails are usually only seen on one side of the leaf or the other, as you can see in the pictures. A lot of the time the trails are seen on the front side of the leaf but there are also those only on the back side - or some are seen on both sides - not necessarily the same tracks. These miners of leaves go through four youth stages before they grow into an adult, all spent in the mine, mining! The adults emerge just in time to hunker down for the winter, just before the leaves start to change to their autumn dress color in late August and September, producing one generation per year.
 
If you look closely you will see that leaf miners also mine Balsam Poplar and occasionally willow. But it seems like their favorite food is Aspen. The mining produces a continuous line of switch back trails turning the leaf a silvery color. The aspens will then quake with a dull silvery shimmer. Eventually all this mining sucks all the moisture out of the leaves, turning them brown and dropping dead before their time. The trees seem to be extremely tough taking this attack year after year. But, as the attack continues every year less photosynthesis is taken in by the damaged leaves, and there is suspected reduction in tree growth, branches dying back, and top-kill.
 
We have been watching this attack for many years now in Alaska - in the year 2000 300,000 acres of trees were affected and in 2006 more than 659,000 acres were affected. In the Copper River Basin we have been watching it for many years. This is the second biggest outbreak recorded.
 
From my light to yours-
 
References: www.fs.usda.gov
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By Janelle Eklund
On a mild June 4th day clouds hung in the sky moving with the wind and letting the sun peak through now and then. Twenty eight hikers of all ages gathered in a circle at the Liberty Falls trailhead listening to instructions on bear and trail safety and etiquette. The youngest of the group was two and half and he just happened to be the Executive Editor of the local newspaper. Or should I say, his soon-to-be-born brother was the youngest on this hike - except he had an easy ride and didn't have to climb like his brother - hah!
 
Everyone was eager for the adventure up the trail. And UP it was! The first part of the trail was a steep climb through the boreal forest. As we came out of the trees rocky outcrops were bobbing with alpine flowers. The wind was howling up the Copper River and pounding us with its fury.
 
We found a spot that was somewhat protected by the onslaught and settled down for a lesson on wilderness first aid splinting techniques. A lesson was led showing how to use tools at hand to improvise a splint for a broken arm. These tools consisted of anything from sticks to the clothes on your back. Another demonstration showed how to turn a t-shirt into a long bandage by starting at the bottom of the shirt and cutting in a circular pattern all the way to the top. Coats and shirts were used for padding and bandannas for securing. A few conventional tools were utilized like Sam splints and triangular bandages. As I filtered through taking pictures I heard comments like - 'this is fun!'
 
Hunger pangs were taking hold and lunches started creeping out of packs. The wind was relentless and if you didn't want it to take your lunch it was best to hang on to it.
 
Tummies satisfied, we continued the trek. The up and down steep rocky mounds didn't deter anyone from turning around - even the two and a half year old Executive Editor of the paper! No, he was in his element. At that age the term 'curtain climber' has significant meaning. But this little one is a 'mountain climber'. He gave us a lesson or two. If it's too steep going down you just sit on your bum and take it slow and easy. If it's too steep going up you just bend over and use all fours. Needless to say to do this he had to put the tape measure he was carrying in his pocket. Don’t ask me why he was carrying a tape measure.
 
The end of our trek was a large rocky point overlooking a lake below with a backdrop of the Kenny Lake area in the distance. Lingering there awhile everyone enjoyed the view and rest contemplating the beauty of the land.
 
The trek back was much the same. Curtains of transparent rain clouds drifted across the Copper River drainage, obscuring the Wrangell Mountains in the background. A few drops kissed our faces and immediately dissipated.
 
I had the pleasure of following the Executive Editor down the trail. I was very impressed. He walked the whole way (1 1/2 to 2 miles) up and down steep terrain without a whimper and brushing aside any help! I was also impressed with mom and her soon-to-be-born son, making the trek with ease.
 
Back at the trailhead, where the wind was calm and the mosquitoes were not, a lesson was given on wilderness hypothermia. The youngsters enjoyed learning to wrap someone snuggly in a sleeping bag surrounded by a tarp to keep them warm.
 
It was a good day. The camaraderie was contagious, the views were spectacular, the lessons were fun and educational, the trek was invigorating, and the wind kept the mosquitoes down. What more could you ask for?
 
From my light to yours-
 
This hike was sponsored by Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment
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By Janelle Eklund
​A hot wind blew down the Tonsina River valley lifting bluff silt that was born from the Wrangell mountains thousands of years ago. The air was heavy with it obscuring the view of mountain peaks. I swear the temperature was likened to a hot desert wind in the 90°s F. Surely it wasn't that hot but it felt like it. My only gauge was the memory of travels in the hot Utah and Arizona deserts.
 
Warm temperatures permeated the month of May enticing some plants to spring forth early and take advantage of hot dry days.
 
In my mind I could hear the dance start in rhythm to Tchaikovsky's symphony beginning with a profusion of purple Pasqueflowers - some popping up in unlikely places. Lupine joined in their blue fluted dress. Delicate calypso orchid spread their fairy slipper pinkness here and there. It got contagious. Joining the dance, in jumped elf like creamy Pumpkin Berry flowers. Jacobs Ladder in blue billowing skirts joined the merry circle. Tiny greenish Soapberry flowers marched in on woody stems. Snow Potentilla twirled around in their bright yellow tutus. Smiley faced yellow Arnicas pirouetted like a pinwheel on a stick. Languid Ladies gracefully bowed their bluebell heads. Bearberry's dangling white bell earrings tiptoed around the forest floor. Labrador Tea, Highbush Cranberry and American Dogwood donned snowy white headdresses tipping in the breeze. Deep Pink Rose permeating the air with its sweet scent. Pale purple bird wings floated in on Alpine Milk Vetch. Artemisia lined the bluffs and roadsides with green fragrant leaves. Eskimo Potato and Wild Sweet Pea tap danced in deep pink frocks, lining roadsides.
 
And then on May 31, May began to melt. A hint of clouds started shielding the blue sky and the hot sun peaked in and out. The dancers were getting tired in the heat. Clouds covered the sky June first and bits of rain fell here and there throughout the valley. Temperatures dropped to the 50°'s and 60°'s F. We willed the rain to wet the forest and gardens. It came during the day and it came during the night in spurts. Plants drank in the rain as fast as it fell. Rain cleaned the dust of May making plants shimmer in wetness and exposing earthy scented perfumes.
 
Red flag fire warnings were lifted giving the trees another reprieve and homeowners a sigh of relief.
 
By June first, rushed plants already show signs of ending the season. Some lupine are turning their flowers into seeds. Rose petals are falling to the ground. What will the rest of the summer bring? Will the high 70°'s and 80°F return? It is a mystery.
 
Whatever summer brings we will enjoy the sun, be patient with the wind and grateful for it blowing away mosquitoes, be thankful for the rain, and intoxicate ourselves with earthy smells.
 
From my light to yours-