Snow!
Totally unexpected but thoroughly enjoyed! Not much light but software helped. More images tomorrow.
Posts tagged ‘McDowell Sonoran Preserve’
Feb 27
Feb 26
Field Institute
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy now has a Field Institute and today was the first day for many members, including me, to collect flora specimens. The goal of the Institute is to document the flora in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve during the next 3 years. Besides being fun, this Flora Survey will be a great opportunity to gain some botanical knowledge. Front and center (holding White RatanBursage) is our fearless leader; botanist Steve Jones.
Feb 22
Last Light
Our recent rainstorms, have given us the most spectacular orange light at the end of the last two days. Here’s a digital art rendition of that light. (Topaz filters)
Feb 1
Stomping Ground
Here’s a view from our favorite stomping ground over to our second favorite stomping ground. All within minutes of our house. Love AZ 🙂 CLICK HERE to see a larger version.
Jan 25
Geology
I’m absolutely fascinated with the geology of our area and have been learning a little while collecting geology related photos for an up-coming MSC field guide. The top of Browns Mountain (in the background) is made up of volcanic rock from ancient lava flows. While looking for a good photo of the basalt all over the ground around the mountain, this odd depression caught my eye. Marianne Scenarian (as I’m sometimes called) pictures a lava bubble coming to the surface. Gotta ask about it 🙂
Jan 23
Spring has Sprung-maybe
Storksbill Filaree is one of the first wildflowers to appear in the Spring and we’re seeing a lot of it up in the North Access area of the Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve. However, it’s appearance could just be the result of our extra warm Winter so I’m not giving official notice yet. Barring a hard frost, though, it does look like we might be in for a good Spring Bloom!
Jan 21
Peek-a-boo
Another Tortoise rock face greets us up near Toms Thumb. It was a flat image so I applied a little color/contrast punch using Topaz filters.
Jan 18
Over the McDowells
I went on a wonderful 8 mile hike yesterday in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with two fellow wanna-be botanists. We had a blast locating particular species that grow at elevation. My two friends had not done this North to South over the mountain trail so they were ooing and ahhing at the vistas. The scenery was spectacular, as you can see so I’m still in awe every time I do it. This photo shows approximately the half way point as we’re heading down to the trailhead. All in all……a fantastic day with plenty of flower sightings. I think we’re in for a great Spring!
