Pauline Singleton's Posts - Watson Preserve2024-03-28T14:30:11ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingletonhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2215189057?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3q8m2f96scjhi&xn_auth=noResults of June 12, 2021 Mushroom Walktag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2021-10-27:6527868:BlogPost:690012021-10-27T03:58:45.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The following species were identified:</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Akanthomyces aculeatus Lebert </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita bisporigera Atkinson </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita peckiana complex </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita vaginata complex<span> </span> </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Singer …</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The following species were identified:</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Akanthomyces aculeatus Lebert </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita bisporigera Atkinson </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita peckiana complex </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Amanita vaginata complex<span> </span> </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Singer </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Cantharellus cinnabarinus Schw. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Cantharellus tabernensis Feibelman & Cibula </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Coltricia species </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Cortinarius species </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulfen: Fr.) Karst. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Hygrocybe miniata (Fr.) P. Kummer </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Lactarius subvellereus var. subdistans Hesler & A.H. Smith </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Lactarius subvernalis var. subvernalis Hesler & A. H. Smith </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Lactifluus deceptivus (Peck) Kuntze </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Lactifluus petersenii (Hesler & A.H. Smith) D. Stubbe </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Lactifluus piperatus (L.) Roussel </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Leccinum albellum (Pk.) Sing. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Microporellus dealbatus (B.& C.) Murr. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Paxillus panuoides (Fr.: Fr.) Fr.<span> </span>(Tapinella) </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Phellinus gilvus (Schw.) Pat. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Pulveroboletus ravenelii (B.& C.) Murr. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Russula albida Pk. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Russula compacta Frost </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Stereum ostrea<span> </span>(Blume & Nees.) Fr. </p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Tylopilus rubrobrunneus Mazzer & A. H. Smith</p>Highlights of Minutes January 2021 Board of Directors Meetingtag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2021-02-08:6527868:BlogPost:594562021-02-08T01:57:33.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p style="text-align: center;">Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">January 8, 2021</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Highlights of Minutes</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Present: Pauline Singleton, Chris Eldredge, Jim Willis, Joe Liggio, Linda Knowles, Kathleen Appelbaum, Charles Smith, Wanda Smith, and Mike Howlett</p>
<p> Chris Eldredge suggested that we put the minutes, or at least the most important parts of minutes, on the…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">January 8, 2021</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Highlights of Minutes</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Present: Pauline Singleton, Chris Eldredge, Jim Willis, Joe Liggio, Linda Knowles, Kathleen Appelbaum, Charles Smith, Wanda Smith, and Mike Howlett</p>
<p> Chris Eldredge suggested that we put the minutes, or at least the most important parts of minutes, on the watsonpreserve.ning.com site. This was approved.</p>
<p> Jim Willis reported that all preparations have been made for the annual burn, which will be carried out January 9 if the weather continues to hold. Arrangements have been made to have the Warren Volunteer Fire Department there. We will have 2 certified burners and 2 observers, and Mike Howlett will be the burn boss. Our 2 drip torches are working, but are getting old and worn. It is about as costly to repair them as to replace them, so Jim suggests that we look into the purchase of 2 new ones. He and Mike will investigate our options.</p>
<p> There have been no more trespassers on ATVs recently. The aggressive dogs next-door have been contained lately.</p>
<p> We have a new security system installed and functioning.</p>
<p> Geraldine’s cabin continues to need work. We continue to use a dehumidifier to help control dampness.</p>
<p> All agreed that it is premature to schedule guided walks—we need to wait until the COVID-19 situation is under control.</p>
<p> We continue to have visitors. It’s hard to say how many, since people tend to ignore the sign-in book.</p>
<p> The Board again discussed the fact that our domain name, watsonpreserve.org, is dormant. Mike Howlett volunteered to help figure out what we need to do to have a web site again, as we don’t know how long the “ning” website will be affordable.</p>
<p> Next meeting will be February 6, 2021.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Mushrooms found on the November, 2018 Mushroom Walktag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2019-01-08:6527868:BlogPost:144012019-01-08T20:54:00.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Watson Preserve mushroom walk, November 10, 2018 Watson Preserve mushroom walk, November 10, 2018 Agaricus pocillator Murr. Amanita "amerifulva" Tulloss nom. Prov. Amanita amerirubescens Tulloss, nom. prov. Amanita flavoconia Atkinson Amanita lavendula (Coker) Tulloss, K.W. Hughes, Rodrig. Cayc. & Kudzma Amanita persicina (Dav. T. Jenkins) Tulloss & Geml Amanita vaginata complex 2 speciesArtomyces pyxidatus (Pers.) Jülich Baeospora mysura (Fr.) Singer Calostoma cinnabarina Desv.…</p>
<p>Watson Preserve mushroom walk, November 10, 2018 Watson Preserve mushroom walk, November 10, 2018 Agaricus pocillator Murr. Amanita "amerifulva" Tulloss nom. Prov. Amanita amerirubescens Tulloss, nom. prov. Amanita flavoconia Atkinson Amanita lavendula (Coker) Tulloss, K.W. Hughes, Rodrig. Cayc. & Kudzma Amanita persicina (Dav. T. Jenkins) Tulloss & Geml Amanita vaginata complex 2 speciesArtomyces pyxidatus (Pers.) Jülich Baeospora mysura (Fr.) Singer Calostoma cinnabarina Desv. Cantharellus species Cortinarius cf. mucosus (Bull.:Fr.) Kickx Cortinarius iodes Berk. & M. A. Curtis Cortinarius species 2 speciesGanoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill Gymnopilus species Gymnopus spongiosus (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Halling Hebeloma species DPL-13239 Helvella cf. lacunosa Afzelius: Fr. Hygrocybe cantharellus (Schwein.) Murrill Hygrocybe miniata (Fr.) P. Kummer Laccaria amethystina (Bull.: Mer.)Murr. Laccaria laccata var. pallidifolia (Pk.) Pk. Lactarius cf. subpalustris DPL-13226 Lactarius chelidonium var. chelidonium Peck Lactarius chrysorheus Fr. Lactarius deceptivus Pk. Lactarius imperceptus Beardslee & Burlingham Lactarius paradoxus Beard. & Burl. Lactarius petersenii Hesler & Smith Lactarius proximellus Beardslee & Burlingham Lactarius scrobiculatus group Lactarius speciosus (Burlingham) Sacc. Lentaria species DPL-13247 Leucocoprinus fragilissimus (Rav.in B.& C.)Pat. Leucopaxillus laterarius (Pk.) Sing. & Smith Lycoperdon perlatum Pers. Microporellus dealbatus (B.& C.) Murr. Phaeolus schweinitzii (Fr.) Pat. Phellodon alboniger (Fr.) P. Karst. Phyllotopsis nidulans (Pers.: Fr.) Sing. Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.: Fr.) Kummer Russula compacta Frost Russula flavida Frost apud Pk. Russula species-pale cream cap Russula species 3 speciesSarcodon underwoodii Banker Scleroderma cepa Persoon Stereum ostrea (Blume & Nees.) Fr. Stereum striatum (Fr.) Fr. Strobilurus conigenoides (Ellis.) Singer Suillus decipiens (Berk & Curt) Kuntze Xanthoconium affine var. affine (Pk.) Singer Xeromphalina campanella (Batsch: Fr.) Kühn.& R. Maire.</p>Mushroom Species List for June 25, 2016tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2017-10-13:6527868:BlogPost:126022017-10-13T03:11:09.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Gulf States Mycological Society mushroom walk</p>
<p>Watson Rare Plant Preserve</p>
<p>June 25, 2016</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Abortiporus biennis (Bull.:Fr.) Singer</i></p>
<p><i>Amanita bisporigera Atkinson</i></p>
<p><i>Boletellus ananus (Curt.) Murr.</i></p>
<p><i>Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Singer</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus species</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus tabernensis Feibelman & Cibula</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus tenuithrix Buyck & V.…</i></p>
<p>Gulf States Mycological Society mushroom walk</p>
<p>Watson Rare Plant Preserve</p>
<p>June 25, 2016</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Abortiporus biennis (Bull.:Fr.) Singer</i></p>
<p><i>Amanita bisporigera Atkinson</i></p>
<p><i>Boletellus ananus (Curt.) Murr.</i></p>
<p><i>Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Singer</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus species</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus tabernensis Feibelman & Cibula</i></p>
<p><i>Cantharellus tenuithrix Buyck & V. Hofstetter</i></p>
<p><i>Coltricia cinnamomea (Jacq.: Pers.) Murrill</i></p>
<p><i>Cortinarius species</i></p>
<p><i>Entoloma farlowii (Singer) Hesler</i></p>
<p><i>Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill</i></p>
<p><i>Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulfen: Fr.) Karst.</i></p>
<p><i>Gymnopus biformis Peck) Halling</i></p>
<p><i>Hygrocybe cantharellus (Schwein.) Murrill</i></p>
<p><i>Hygrocybe miniata (Fr.) P. Kummer</i></p>
<p><i>Inocybe species</i></p>
<p><i>Lactarius deceptivus Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Lactarius rimosellus Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Lycoperdon pyriforme Schaeff.: Pers.</i></p>
<p><i>Microporellus dealbatus (B.& C.)</i> <i>Murr.</i></p>
<p><i>Russula albida Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Russula modesta Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Russula species (red cap, white stipe)</i></p>
<p><i>Russula species-pale pinkish cap</i></p>
<p><i>Russula species-pale cream cap</i></p>
<p><i>Stereum ostrea (Blume & Nees.) Fr.</i></p>
<p><i>Stereum striatum var. striatum (Fr.) Fr. (Carpinus only)</i></p>
<p><i>Thelephora terrestris Ehrhart: Fr.</i></p>
<p><i>Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Pilat</i></p>
<p><i>Tremellodendron schweinitzii (Peck) Atkinson</i></p>
<p><i>Trichaptum abietinus (Fr.) Ryv.</i></p>
<p><i>Trichaptum biforme (Fr. in Kl.) Ryv.</i></p>
<p><i>Unknown resupinate (rusty brown)</i></p>
<p><i>Ceratiomyxa morchella Welden</i></p>
<p><i>Fuligo septica (L.) Wiggers</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Watson Walk, Nov 19, 2016</p>
<p><i>Amanita brunnescens Atkinson</i></p>
<p><i>Amanita rubescens (Pers.: Fr.) S.F. Gray</i></p>
<p><i>Annulohypoxylon annulatum (Schwein) Y.M. Ju, J.D. Rogers & H.M. Hsieh</i></p>
<p><i>Cerebella andropogonis Ces</i></p>
<p><i>Ganoderma curtisii (Berk.) Murrill</i></p>
<p><i>Gloeophyllum striatum (Swartz:Fr.) Murr.</i></p>
<p><i>Hysterium angustatum Alb. & Schwein.</i></p>
<p><i>Laccaria laccata var. pallidifolia (Pk.) Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Laccaria trichodermophora G. M. Mueller</i></p>
<p><i>Lactarius deceptivus Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Lactarius paradoxus Beard. & Burl.</i></p>
<p><i>Lactarius proximellus Beardslee & Burlingham</i></p>
<p><i>Lentinus crinitus (L:Fr.) Fr.</i></p>
<p><i>Microporellus dealbatus (B.& C.) Murr.</i></p>
<p><i>Mycosphaerella dearnessii M.E. Barr</i></p>
<p><i>Ostreichnion curtissii (Duby) M.E. Barr</i></p>
<p><i>Panellus stipticus (Bull.: Fr.) Karst.</i></p>
<p><i>Phaeolus schweinitzii (Fr.) Pat.</i></p>
<p><i>Rhizopogon species</i></p>
<p><i>Rosellinia species</i></p>
<p><i>Russula sericeonitans Kauffman</i></p>
<p><i>Russula vesicatoria Burl.</i></p>
<p><i>Stereum cinerascens (Schw.) Massee</i></p>
<p><i>Stereum ochraceoflavum (Schw.) Pk.</i></p>
<p><i>Suillus cfr. hirtellus (Pk.) Kuntze var. hirtellus</i></p>
<p><i>Tapesia cf. fusca</i></p>
<p><i>Trichaptum abietinus (Fr.) Ryv.</i></p>
<p> </p>Dr. Jyotsna Sharma, who is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, is leading conservation research projects at Watson Native Plant Preserve since 2012. The focus of her lab’s…tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2016-11-18:6527868:BlogPost:106012016-11-18T04:09:50.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Dr. Jyotsna Sharma, who is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, is leading conservation research projects at Watson Native Plant Preserve since 2012. The focus of her lab’s work is on one of the rare and superbly showy orchids of Texas. <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i> (Chapman’s orchid) is known from only a few locations in southeastern Texas, and Watson Native Plant Preserve hosts the largest population in Texas. Her work has included:</p>
<p>1) augmenting the…</p>
<p>Dr. Jyotsna Sharma, who is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, is leading conservation research projects at Watson Native Plant Preserve since 2012. The focus of her lab’s work is on one of the rare and superbly showy orchids of Texas. <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i> (Chapman’s orchid) is known from only a few locations in southeastern Texas, and Watson Native Plant Preserve hosts the largest population in Texas. Her work has included:</p>
<p>1) augmenting the native population of the species</p>
<p>2) locating new populations of the species in Big Thicket National Preserve</p>
<p>3) developing effective propagation methods for <i>P. chapmanii</i>, and</p>
<p>4) study of mycorrhizal ecology of the species. In nature, all orchid seeds depend on mycorrhizal fungi for germination, and as seedlings develop into mature plants, they maintain this relationship with their partner fungi.</p>
<p>Graduate (M.S.) student Kirsten E. Poff conducted manipulative experiments to test questions related to propagation and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Ms. Poff graduated in 2016 and is now a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawai</p>
<p>Other team members: Mr. Joe Liggio, Mr. Jim Willis, and Ms. Pauline Singleton assisted with research activities and facilitated permits and other logistics. Without their help, none of the activities would have been possible.</p>
<p>Two-year old laboratory-cultured plants of <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i> were planted at Watson Native Plant Preserve. Survival and emergence has been recorded at >90% two years after planting. Over the years, Dr. Sharma’s team has added hundreds of plants of the species to WNPP</p>
<p>Publications:</p>
<p>1. Richards M and J Sharma. 2014. A review of conservation efforts for <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i> in Texas and Georgia. Native Orchid Conference Journal 11: 1-11. ISSN 1554-1169.</p>
<p class="Default">2. Poff, KE. 2016. <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i>: culture, population augmentation, and mycorrhizal associations. M.S. thesis (Supervisor: J. Sharma). Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. pp. 142.</p>
<p class="Default">3. Poff, KE, J Sharma, and M Richards. 2016. Cold-moist stratification improves germination in a temperate terrestrial orchid. Castanea 81: xx-xx. <i>(In Press)</i></p>We're Losing our Redbay Treestag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2016-08-22:6527868:BlogPost:101072016-08-22T02:30:00.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>I have some very bad news. It concerns two of our most common but easily-overlooked shrubs/small trees: the redbay (<i>Persea borbonia</i>) and sassafras (<i>Sassafras</i> <i>albidum</i>). They don’t directly affect people’s lives, except that sassafras is the source of the flavoring for root beer and gumbo file, and redbay is occasionally used in cooking. They do play a role in the ecosystems of east Texas, and we may be about to receive an unpleasant lesson in the interconnectedness…</p>
<p>I have some very bad news. It concerns two of our most common but easily-overlooked shrubs/small trees: the redbay (<i>Persea borbonia</i>) and sassafras (<i>Sassafras</i> <i>albidum</i>). They don’t directly affect people’s lives, except that sassafras is the source of the flavoring for root beer and gumbo file, and redbay is occasionally used in cooking. They do play a role in the ecosystems of east Texas, and we may be about to receive an unpleasant lesson in the interconnectedness of things.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just 14 years ago, a small insect, the redbay ambrosia beetle (<i>Xyleborus glabratus</i>), somehow made its way from Asia to Georgia. It carries, and is dependent upon, a fungus: laurel wilt (<i>Raffaelea lauricola</i>). The beetle burrows into members of the Laurel family, which includes redbay and sassafras. In so doing, it infects the tree with the fungus, which kills the tree within a short time. It has had a devastating effect on these species in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Why do we care? Well, do you enjoy seeing the large and lovely Palamedes swallowtails? Or the spicebush swallowtails? In their larval form, they feed exclusively (as far as I know) on members of the laurel family—all susceptible to the laurel wilt. If we lose all the redbay and sassafras, will we lose these magnificent butterflies? And what else would we lose? These swallowtails are major pollinators of the Chapman’s orchid. Are they the only pollinators?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A number of species of birds feed on the fruit of these two species. How important will the impact be on birds if we lose them?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What other species may be dependent on these trees?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What can be done to control laurel wilt? At this point—nothing. Researchers are looking for a solution, for the beetle/fungus duo also attacks a commercially important species—the avocado. The avocado industry is worth millions of dollars to the Florida economy, and according to one estimate, 10% of the tree canopy in Miami-Dade County consists of avocados. There appears to be nothing to stop this plague from spreading though Texas and into Mexico, so if you like your guacamole, wish those researchers luck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am guessing that it is the redbay/laurel wilt complex that is killing the redbay trees and the sassafras at Watson Preserve. It has been confirmed in Hardin County, and that is the next county over. There is no barrier to its spread. I’ve seen dead redbays south of Kountze, and between the preserve and the town of Warren. These trees appeared to be healthy this spring—their death has been sudden. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have lots of questions, but no answers. I shall attempt to find out for sure if this new pest is the cause of death of our redbay and sassafras. I’m betting it is. This is one time I’d like to be wrong. Meanwhile, enjoy the beautiful Palamedes and spicebush swallowtails while you can. They face a fight for survival the likes of which they’ve never seen before. </p>No Campaign Posters on the Preserve, Pleasetag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2016-04-19:6527868:BlogPost:95062016-04-19T00:54:15.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Without the knowledge or consent of the Board of Directors of Watson Preserve, someone put some campaign posters for one of the presidential candidates on trees on Watson Preserve.</p>
<p>We are a 501c3 tax-exempt corporation, and therefore do not support specific candidates for office. Any political material that we find on the preserve will be removed. So please, save yourself some time and energy, and post such materials somewhere else. Please don't take it personally, but a…</p>
<p>Without the knowledge or consent of the Board of Directors of Watson Preserve, someone put some campaign posters for one of the presidential candidates on trees on Watson Preserve.</p>
<p>We are a 501c3 tax-exempt corporation, and therefore do not support specific candidates for office. Any political material that we find on the preserve will be removed. So please, save yourself some time and energy, and post such materials somewhere else. Please don't take it personally, but a<span class="text_exposed_show">s a tax-exempt organization we have to be a little bit careful about such things.</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show"><p><a class="profileLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/pauline.singleton.96">Pauline Singleton</a><br/> President, Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve</p>
</div>Species List for Mushroom Walk June 27, 2015tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2015-09-19:6527868:BlogPost:87032015-09-19T19:22:38.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve</p>
<p>Mushroom Walk</p>
<p>June 27, 2015</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Species List</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Agaricus silvaticus</i> Schaeff</p>
<p><i>Amanita bisporigera</i> Atkinson</p>
<p><i>Amanita flavoconia</i> Atkinson</p>
<p><i>Amanita peckiana</i> complex</p>
<p><i>Amanita vaginata</i> complex</p>
<p><i>Boletus oliveisporus</i> (Murr) Murr</p>
<p><i>Cantarellus tabernensis</i> Feibelman & Cibula</p>
<p><i>Coltricia cinnamomea</i> (Jacq.:Pers.)…</p>
<p>Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve</p>
<p>Mushroom Walk</p>
<p>June 27, 2015</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Species List</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Agaricus silvaticus</i> Schaeff</p>
<p><i>Amanita bisporigera</i> Atkinson</p>
<p><i>Amanita flavoconia</i> Atkinson</p>
<p><i>Amanita peckiana</i> complex</p>
<p><i>Amanita vaginata</i> complex</p>
<p><i>Boletus oliveisporus</i> (Murr) Murr</p>
<p><i>Cantarellus tabernensis</i> Feibelman & Cibula</p>
<p><i>Coltricia cinnamomea</i> (Jacq.:Pers.) Murrill</p>
<p><i>Ganoderma curtisii</i> (Berk.) Murrill</p>
<p><i>Hygrocybe cantharellus</i> (Schwein.) Murrill</p>
<p><i>Hygrocybe miniata</i> (Fr.) P. Kummer</p>
<p><i>Microporellus dealbatus</i> (B & C) Murr.</p>
<p><i>Phylloporus boletinoides</i> A. H. Smith & Thiers</p>
<p><i>Psuedofistulina radicata</i> (Schw.) Wright and Burdsall</p>
<p><i>Pulveroboletus ravenelii</i> (B & C) Murr.</p>
<p><i>Russula pallidiocrustosa</i> Buyck & Lewis, sp. nov.</p>
<p><i>Stereum complicatum</i> (Fr.) Fr</p>
<p><i>Stereum ostrea</i> (Blume & Nees.) Fr.</p>
<p><i>Suillus decipiens</i> (Berk & Curt) Kuntze</p>
<p><i>Trametes elegans</i> (Spreng.: Fr.) Fr.</p>
<p>Unknown slime mold</p>
<p><i>Psuedofistulina radicata</i> (Schw.) Wright and Burdsall had never before been reported in Texas!</p>
<p></p>Species List for Mushroom Walk Held June 28, 2014tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2014-09-04:6527868:BlogPost:57082014-09-04T02:00:00.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p></p>
<div><div class="nH"><div class="nH"><div class="G-atb D E aCh"><div class="adF"><div class="aBS"></div>
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<div class="aLF-aPX aLF-aPX-a3n aLF-aPX-aLK-aPD-JE"><div class="aLF-aPX-a3n-aPk"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPk-aMh aLF-aPX-Jq-aPn"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPF"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPH aLF-aPX-aPH"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aw9 aLF-aPX-Jq-aPn aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-auM"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-aPV"><div class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Jz-Jw"><p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Watson Preserve Mushroom Walk, June 28, 2014</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Agaricus auricolor Krieger</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Amanita bisporigera Atkinson</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Amanita brunnescens Atkinson var. brunnescens</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Amanita flavoconia Atkinson</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Amanita jacksonii Pomerleau</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Amanita vaginata complex</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Bjerkandera fumosa (Pers.: Fr.) Karst.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Singer</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Cantharellus minor Pk. off site</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Cantharellus species</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Chlorophyllum molybdites (Meyer: Fr.) Mass. off site</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Ganoderma lucidum Leysser: Fr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Gymnopus spongiosus (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Halling</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Gymnopus species DPL-11224</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Hygrocybe miniata (Fr.) P. Kummer</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lactarius cfr. deceptivus Pk.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lactarius rimosellus Pk.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lactarius subplinthogalus Coker</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Leccinum albellum (Fr.) Sing.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lentinellus ursinus (Fr.) Kuhner</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lentinus crinitus (L:Fr.) Fr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lepiota clypeolaria (Bull.) P. Kumm.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Corda) Singer</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Lycoperdon species DPL-11217</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Marasmius fulvoferrugineus Gilliam</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Megacollybia texensis R.H. Petersen & D.P. Lewis off site</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Microporellus dealbatus (B.& C.) Murr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Paxillus panuoides (Fr.: Fr.) Fr. (Tapinella)</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Polyporus arcularius (Batsch) Fr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Russula eccentrica Peck</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Russula foetens group</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Stereum complicatum (Fr.) Fr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Strobilomyces confusus Sing.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Thelephora terrestris Ehrhart: Fr.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Trametes species</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Tricholomopsis formosa (Murr.) Sing.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Tylopilus rubrobrunneus Mazzer & A.H. Smith</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Unknown tooth DPL-11230</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Volvariella bombycina (Schaeffer: Fries) Singer</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Xeromphalina campanella (Batsch: Fr.) Kuhn.& R. Mre.</p>
<p class="aLF-aPX-aPF-aPE-a1J-Ji">Xylaria magnoliae J. Rogers</p>
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<div>Displaying Watson Preserve Mushroom walk.docx.</div>Summer 2013tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-11-04:6527868:BlogPost:39672013-11-04T00:34:06.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>I can't believe the summer of 2013 is history. It was an eventful summer. In addition to events mentioned earlier, a youth group from Triumphant Lutheran Church in San Antonio under the supervision of Youth Pastor Chris St. Clair came out on July 26 and spent several hours helping us out. We are very grateful to them for their assistance. We are also very grateful to the staff of the National Park Service for putting them in touch with us.</p>
<p>Joe Liggio again led a wildflower walk to…</p>
<p>I can't believe the summer of 2013 is history. It was an eventful summer. In addition to events mentioned earlier, a youth group from Triumphant Lutheran Church in San Antonio under the supervision of Youth Pastor Chris St. Clair came out on July 26 and spent several hours helping us out. We are very grateful to them for their assistance. We are also very grateful to the staff of the National Park Service for putting them in touch with us.</p>
<p>Joe Liggio again led a wildflower walk to see the Chapman's orchid. We are happy to report that the orchids are thriving.</p>
<p>We have already set 4 dates for wildflower walks in 2014. We have scheduled a work day for December 7, 2013. There will be other workdays. Some will be announced last-minute, so keep a close eye on the "Events" area of this web site. Also, if you wish to participate, and you don't see anything scheduled at the time that interests you, you may want to call Pauline at (281) 421-2469 or Jim at (409) 201-7506 and see if anything is going on. There is always work to do.</p>
<p>Things were starting to get too dry again, but thankfully, rains have returned. The area got approximately 7 inches of rain on October 30-31. It was hard on the trick-or-treaters, no doubt, but it was beneficial in every other way. Those interested in mushrooms will benefit, for sure. Mushrooms are popping up everywhere. On the subject of mushrooms, by the way, there will be a mushroom walk in the Lance Rosier Unit on November 16 (a Saturday), led by David & Pat Lewis. For information, call David or Pat at (409)-423-3776 or email: dandplewis@gmail.com.</p>
<p>Pauline</p>Species List from David Lewis from June Mushroom Walktag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-10-08:6527868:BlogPost:36972013-10-08T01:47:38.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">GSMS species list, Watson Rare Plant Preserve, Lake Hyatt, TX</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mushroom walk, June 1, 2013</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita bisporigera…</i></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">GSMS species list, Watson Rare Plant Preserve, Lake Hyatt, TX</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mushroom walk, June 1, 2013</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita bisporigera</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Atkinson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita brunnescens</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Atkinson var. <i>brunnescens</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita cf. cinereoconia</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Atkinson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita flavoconia</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Atkinson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita flavorubescens</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Atkinson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita roseitincta</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Murrill</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita rubescens</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">(Pers.: Fr.) S.F. Gray</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">species<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> N-5</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Amanita</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">species T-1</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Berk. & Curt.) Singer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Cantarellus tabernensis</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Feibelman</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Fistulinella jamaicensis</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Murr.) Singer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Ganoderma lucidum</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Leysser: Fr.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Hygrocybe cf. mississippiensis</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Cibula) Lewis & Ovrebo</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Lactarius cf. petersonii</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hesler & Smith</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Lactarius rimosellus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">Pk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Lactarius salmoneus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pk. var. <i>curstii</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Coker) Hesler & Smith</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Leccinum albellum</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">(Fr.) Sing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX"><i>Lentinus crinitus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;" xml:lang="ES-MX" lang="ES-MX">(L:Fr.) Fr.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Phylloporus rhodoxanthus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Schw.) Bres.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Polyporus arcularius</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Batsch) Fr.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Russula flavisiccans</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bills</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Russula pallidocrustosa</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">sp. nov.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Russula variata</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Banning & Pk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Strobilomyces dryophila</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cibula & Weber</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trichaptum abietinus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Fr.) Ryv.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Tylopilus plumbeoviolaceus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Snell & Dick) Sing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Tylopilus cf. plumbeoviolaceus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Snell & Dick) Sing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Tylopilus rubobrunneus</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mazzer & A. H. Smith</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Xanthoconium affine</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">var. <i>affine</i></span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Pk.) Singer</span></p>
<p></p>Mushroom Hunttag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-06-05:6527868:BlogPost:29392013-06-05T03:26:57.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Twenty-something people gathered at Watson Preserve on June 1 to brave the heat and search for mushrooms. All levels of skill were represented, from beginners to experienced mycologists. David and Pat Lewis did a great job of leading the activities. We hope they will do it again There is no better way to learn more about fungi than to go into the field with an expert. I have posted a few photos and will try to add a few more as I get time. If David gives me a list of species found, I…</p>
<p>Twenty-something people gathered at Watson Preserve on June 1 to brave the heat and search for mushrooms. All levels of skill were represented, from beginners to experienced mycologists. David and Pat Lewis did a great job of leading the activities. We hope they will do it again There is no better way to learn more about fungi than to go into the field with an expert. I have posted a few photos and will try to add a few more as I get time. If David gives me a list of species found, I shall try to post that, too.</p>May, 2013tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-05-28:6527868:BlogPost:28372013-05-28T03:10:10.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Our thanks to DeAndra Ramsey from the Houston Zoo for bringing a group of college students to Watson Preserve on May 23. Eleven young people pitched in and helped us for about 3 1/2 hours that Thursday. They demolished and removed the old privy; they loaded up a pine tree that had earlier been cut down (it leaned over the cabin) and hauled it off site; they cut down and removed a number of Chinese tallow trees. We were really amazed at what they got done in such a short time. It is…</p>
<p>Our thanks to DeAndra Ramsey from the Houston Zoo for bringing a group of college students to Watson Preserve on May 23. Eleven young people pitched in and helped us for about 3 1/2 hours that Thursday. They demolished and removed the old privy; they loaded up a pine tree that had earlier been cut down (it leaned over the cabin) and hauled it off site; they cut down and removed a number of Chinese tallow trees. We were really amazed at what they got done in such a short time. It is really appreciated.</p>
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<p>On May 3, and again on May 25, we held workdays for regular volunteers. We got more exotics removed; some of the torpedo grass was sprayed; more repairs were made to the existing boardwalk.</p>
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<p>On May 4, the Tyler chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas toured the preserve.</p>
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<p>By the Memorial Day weekend, I am happy to report that the grass pink orchid (Calopogon tuberosus) was in full bloom, and was blooming in greater numbers than we've seen for several years.</p>April 27 Wildflower Tourtag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-04-30:6527868:BlogPost:29172013-04-30T03:36:37.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>We had a wonderful turnout for our wildflower walk on April 27. Our thanks to Joe Liggio who led the tour, and to Jim Willis, who had cold water waiting at the end of our hike.</p>
<p>We are always glad to see old friends, of course, but we were especially pleased that there were several people visiting for the first time. We hope they'll return many times.</p>
<p>The only disappointment was the paucity of orchids. There were a few rose pogonias (very few), one grass-pink orchid about to…</p>
<p>We had a wonderful turnout for our wildflower walk on April 27. Our thanks to Joe Liggio who led the tour, and to Jim Willis, who had cold water waiting at the end of our hike.</p>
<p>We are always glad to see old friends, of course, but we were especially pleased that there were several people visiting for the first time. We hope they'll return many times.</p>
<p>The only disappointment was the paucity of orchids. There were a few rose pogonias (very few), one grass-pink orchid about to open, and one Spiranthes in bud. I'm guessing that the grass-pink orchids will be at their peak in a couple of weeks. </p>
<p>The white azaleas are just starting to bloom. American snowbells are blooming. There were blooming butterworts, sundews and bladderworts. The Kentucky wisteria (our native wisteria) was blooming. There was one blooming specimen on the preserve itself, with a number of them blooming along the dam that forms the lake. There were a few phlox, and one of the white milkweeds will soon be in flower. May will be a fine time to visit the preserve. And June, and July, and....</p>
<p>Pauline</p>
<p> </p>A Word about the Iristag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-04-21:6527868:BlogPost:30152013-04-21T14:47:02.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>Before I get a call from someone telling me that there has been a terrible act of vandalism and some of the yellow irises have been removed from the pond near the cabin, let me explain.</p>
<p>The yellow flags are <em>Iris pseudacorus</em>, an exotic species from Eurasia and northern Africa. In addition to being non-natives, they are terribly aggressive. Those of you who have been visiting the preserve for several years may have noticed that the original clump has grown huge, and they have…</p>
<p>Before I get a call from someone telling me that there has been a terrible act of vandalism and some of the yellow irises have been removed from the pond near the cabin, let me explain.</p>
<p>The yellow flags are <em>Iris pseudacorus</em>, an exotic species from Eurasia and northern Africa. In addition to being non-natives, they are terribly aggressive. Those of you who have been visiting the preserve for several years may have noticed that the original clump has grown huge, and they have spread to the other side of the little pond and started down the drainage toward the lake.</p>
<p>Yesterday, April 20, I spent a half day digging irises (and this morning I am so sore that I can hardly walk). I concentrated on removing the youngest part of the colony--in other words my goal was STOP THE SPREAD! There will have to be a followup operation. It is next to impossible to remove every part of every rhizome, and wherever there is a piece left, I suspect there will soon be a new plant. But at least the first step is taken. Thanks to Jim Willis for hauling off the plants which I dug. He will dry them out and burn them!</p>
<p>Geraldine had, on one occasion, hired a young man to remove them. Unfortunately, he did not remove the rhizomes, so it was an exercise in futility. I suspect that it is going to take a couple of years, at least, to finally get them out. And I hope that I am not being overly optimistic. </p>
<p>It is becoming apparent that all land managers are going to have to devote more and more resources to the control of exotic, invasive plants. At Watson Preserve, our exotic pests at this time include torpedo grass, Japanese climbing fern, Chinese tallow trees, the yellow flag iris, alligator-weed and Mexican ruella. I'm sure there are others.</p>
<p>Pauline Singleton</p>
<p></p>Bird Walk on April 13tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2013-04-16:6527868:BlogPost:29122013-04-16T01:39:50.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>We want to thank volunteers Bill and Mary Keller and Kathleen and Lisa Appelbaum for leading the birding tour on Saturday, April 13. They enjoyed very nice weather and identified 29 species of birds, including a great crested flycatcher, a summer tanager, a catbird, a yellow-throated vireo, kingbirds, wood ducks (with babies!) and our resident redheaded wookpeckers.</p>
<p>Pauline Singleton</p>
<p>We want to thank volunteers Bill and Mary Keller and Kathleen and Lisa Appelbaum for leading the birding tour on Saturday, April 13. They enjoyed very nice weather and identified 29 species of birds, including a great crested flycatcher, a summer tanager, a catbird, a yellow-throated vireo, kingbirds, wood ducks (with babies!) and our resident redheaded wookpeckers.</p>
<p>Pauline Singleton</p>Wildflower Walk in the Rain September 29tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2012-10-01:6527868:BlogPost:16042012-10-01T02:18:59.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>The weatherman predicted an 80% chance of rain. So we canceled our wildflower walk, right? Wrong! It was a small group this time, and that is really understandable. It rained on me the whole way as I drove to the preserve. Light rain continued off and on all day.</p>
<p>We simply carried umbrellas and pressed on. What was blooming? Goldenrod of several species, swamp sunflowers (they will probably put on a more dramatic show in a few more days), cowbane (Oxypolis sp.), Lobilia,…</p>
<p>The weatherman predicted an 80% chance of rain. So we canceled our wildflower walk, right? Wrong! It was a small group this time, and that is really understandable. It rained on me the whole way as I drove to the preserve. Light rain continued off and on all day.</p>
<p>We simply carried umbrellas and pressed on. What was blooming? Goldenrod of several species, swamp sunflowers (they will probably put on a more dramatic show in a few more days), cowbane (Oxypolis sp.), Lobilia, Liatris elegans, two species of purple asters, and quite a few other things. There was a newly-emerged Indian pipe growing along the trail that goes downhill from the gallery toward the lake.</p>
<p>There were a couple of interesting mushrooms, and the rains may make for even better mushroom display in the days to come.</p>
<p>We saw a young copperhead about a foot long. We let him slither away unharmed; it is our policy to tolerate snakes along with the other creatures that make the preserve home.</p>
<p>After lunch I returned to the preserve and walked around for a few minutes more. On my way home, I paused for a moment as I drove across the dam. I was treated to a sighting of the wood duck family. It looked like it was probably the adult male, adult female and the young of this year. The young ducks are as large as their parents now, but their plumage is not yet as spectacular.</p>
<p>The fact that the day was a little soggy didn't keep it from being enjoyable.</p>
<p>Pauline</p>
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<p></p>Orchid Walk July 28, 2012tag:watsonpreserve.ning.com,2012-07-29:6527868:BlogPost:5302012-07-29T19:41:55.000ZPauline Singletonhttp://watsonpreserve.ning.com/profile/PaulineSingleton
<p>We had a wonderful group turn out for the orchid walk on July 28. About three dozen people, from Dallas-Ft Worth area to Louisiana to Houston, braved the southeast Texas heat and humidity to search for the rare Chapman’s orchid, <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i>. We were not disappointed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our thanks and our sympathy go to Joe Liggio, who led the walk that day. A few days earlier, Joe’s mother passed away. We certainly would have understood if he had canceled. However, he…</p>
<p>We had a wonderful group turn out for the orchid walk on July 28. About three dozen people, from Dallas-Ft Worth area to Louisiana to Houston, braved the southeast Texas heat and humidity to search for the rare Chapman’s orchid, <i>Platanthera chapmanii</i>. We were not disappointed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our thanks and our sympathy go to Joe Liggio, who led the walk that day. A few days earlier, Joe’s mother passed away. We certainly would have understood if he had canceled. However, he wanted to conduct this walk, and he came and shared his extensive knowledge with us. Joe, is, by the way, one of the directors of Watson Preserve.</p>
<p>I also want to thank Jim Willis (also one of the directors of Watson Preserve) for his important contribution. He’s the one who cleared the paths so that we wouldn’t be tripping over branches and getting tangled up in vines. Folks, running a weed eater the length of that boardwalk is a mean job in 95-degree heat. He made moving around the preserve easier and safer for us.</p>
<p>Thanks also to Mary & Bill Keller for scrubbing the picnic table and chairs so that people would have a place to sit and rest that wasn't covered with crud.</p>
<p>Last year at the same time I came out to see how the orchids were faring and found only 3 blooming that day. The bog was crunchy underfoot, and of course the drought only deepened in the weeks that followed. I was worried about them! I needn’t have worried, however--the colony is thriving.</p>
<p>Joe Liggio reminisced about some of the places where he has seen a few of these orchids in past years. In most cases, land use practices have eliminated their habitat and consequently eliminated the orchids as well. The orchids were never numerous in any of the other locations he has visited. There are probably a very few colonies hanging on anywhere, including in Texas in Georgia and Florida. Probably none is as extensive as the population at Watson Preseve. This could be the best remaining collection of Chapman’s orchid in the entire world! He emphasized that this population is an important resource for use in restoring orchids where they may have been lost, and in conducting research. Therefore, their oversight remains a priority for us.</p>
<p>I created a file and included a few photos of the day’s activities, and will add a few photos as time permits.</p>
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