Project Updates

Many native wildflower species are in bloom this spring at Reedy Creek! The project restored and enhanced many different habitats, including streams, wetlands, and forests, each of which supports different types of plants. Wildflowers emerging below the tree canopy include mayapples, violet wood sorrel, and jack in the pulpit. Sightings also included one uncommon species found in wetter streamside soils called the atamasco lily. This lily is also known as the Easter Lily since it usually blooms around Easter (fourth photo). Wildlands is delighted by the diversity of species growing at the project so soon after construction and cannot wait to see what blooms next!

It’s been three years since construction wrapped up at the Reedy Creek site.  The floodplain vegetation continues to thrive, and the trees planted after construction have now grown above the tall grasses!   This natural progression in forest growth is exciting to see.  These riparian areas will continue to provide habitat and support animals as they grow and change.

During this year’s monitoring period, scientists discovered a patch of moccasin flower, or pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), growing in the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The pink lady’s slipper is a member of the orchid family and requires a special symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil to germinate and grow, making it difficult to reach maturity and often taking years to grow from seed to a mature plant. Pink lady’s slippers grow in a variety of habitats found in eastern United States forests. Most are found growing in mixed hardwood coniferous forests, in semi-open areas with well-drained soil. We are thrilled to see unique plants such as this thriving within the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve!