One of the fantastic Riveredge volunteers, who has been exploring Riveredge trails for years to both take photographs and record observations, is letting us know what she sees blooming at Riveredge. In scientific terms, this is called “Phenology.” What is phenology? It’s very similar to another word, phenomenon. Phenology means what happens, and when, in nature. Some of the most common examples are: when flowers are blooming, when buds are present, when specific migratory bird species return, when birds are nesting.
Chances are, you already notice phenology you just might not call it that. If you notice when your garden is blooming, when the trees are budding, or when butterflies return to the skies – you’re observing phenology! Read below to learn what you can find along the trails when you visit Riveredge Nature Center right now.
In Bloom
Pasque Flower
Penn Sedge
Bloodroot
Hepatica
Spring Beauty
False Rue Anemone
Cut Leaved Toothwort
Dutchman’s Breeches
Marsh Marigold
Leatherwood
White Trout Lily
Blue Violet
Spring Cress
Wild Ginger
Wood Anemone
Prairie Smoke
Swamp Buttercup
Prairie Buttercup
Large Flowered Trillium
In Bud
Bastard Toadflax
Blue Cohosh
Wood Betony
Draba
Kidney Leaved Buttercup
Wild Blue Phlox
Dwarf Ginseng
Jacob’s Ladder
Heart Leaved Golden Alexander
Shooting Star
Sprouting/Leaves Present
Early Meadow Rue
Bellwort
False Solomon’s Seal