11-05-18 Field Note

Prescribed burns, river change and clean up, wetland plants

Two years ago we built a metal fence in the center of the island in the Clubhouse Pond.

Three weeks ago we burned the bowl at the top of Partridge Alley. We also burned the great basin wild rye field.

Three weeks after the burn, green grass and forbs covered many of the blackened slopes.

Even the large bunch grasses bolted with greenery after the late fall burn.

Every year, flood waters bring new garbage to ranch’s river banks. Every year the crews clean it up.

The large elk herd that typically loafs on the ranch’s open ridges has been scarce this fall.

Cottontail rabbits are abundant around slash piles and man-made structures.

A few apples cling to a tree in Lower Woodchuck Creek

Some elderberry bushes continue to hold on to their berries.