The weekly pandemic numbers show that S. Korea, Germany and France are still the hot-spots for the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant. But the U.S. numbers are trending up. Numbers in the North-east are on the rise and Philadelphia has reinstated an indoor mask mandate. Be vigilant!
Other depressing news in the world involves the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the map shows Ukrainian gains in Kiev and surrounding areas, this is due to Russian troop movements shifting forces for the north to the east where fighting is intensifying. The situation is not looking good.
On a happier note Susan and I spent the day exploring preserves in Petosky.
We started our exploration at the Hailman and Helstrom Preserves which were both quite interesting.
I managed to find two different scaleworts (which are liverwort-related), interestingly on the same tree. I absolutely love this group of small bryophytes.
The small lake (where the binoculars are on the map).
Here’s an interesting fungus on an aspen – aspen bracket.
We then went to the Fochtman Preserve where Susan had found several lycopodia earlier in the day.
Here they are (I’ll write an expanded piece on this group in the future).
Partridgeberry. An interesting little plant that we also find on our property at Whitefish Point.
And finally a sweet little moss that I think I have identified before, but an still confirming that.
More tomorrow…
Michael's Place 