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A journal of the natural life
along a trail of community wonders.
FROM OUR NATURALIST, JEFF BREAZEALE
Jeff will come to your Reserve property and help identify plants and vegetation for you. Property owners can also arrange a private group hiking on The Reserve at Lake Keowee trails. If you are interested please contact him by email directly. Jeff can be reached at:
Jbreazeale@reserveatlakekeowee.com
Want to read past issues? Click below:
Trail Journal Issues 1 - 29TRAIL JOURNAL ISSUE 30 (Summer 2010)
A cool, wet spring, and continued rain has set the stage for trail activity to be at its peak. By that I mean bigger and brighter flower blooms, more “friendly” insects about, and an overall healthier environment.
There is much to see in the two meadows located within our trail system. One plant to look for is the Mountain Mint, which is already four feet high. Unlike most mint species, this one will not overtake other plants or space. It will not suffer from a small pinch if you want to enjoy its aroma. Look for it in the meadows at Capeheart Park and Granite Dome Trail. 
While you’re there you will also be able to observe Butterfly Weed, a favorite of Monarch butterflies, and Mullien, an impressive plant that grows six feet tall with yellow flowers. Several other varieties of native wildflowers are also scattered throughout the meadows.
Whether in the deep woods or drier areas of the trails, if you are near any water dragonflies are always close by. I can sometimes get them to sit on my hand before they take flight. 
The Common Whitetail Dragonfly is common here and is very beneficial. In their larval stage they eat mosquito larvae and as adults they eat adult mosquitoes, catching them as they fly. The photo is one of a female.
On all of the trails you can find a wide variety of ferns, but Turkey Ridge and Capeheart trails have the widest “selections.” Large patches of Lady Fern and Broad Beech Fern thrive here. Christmas Fern and Ebony Spleenwort do well here too, but grow more as individuals.
Those friendly insects I mentioned earlier are buzzing about. The Hover Fly mimics a large yellow jacket or European Hornet. Nearly an inch long, this copycat will fly around with a loud buzz, a bright yellowish-orange body, hoping you and other predators are fooled. They can be found in nearly every type of habitat and they are totally harmless.
Box Turtles are doing well, thanks again to the weather. These long-lived reptiles live in the woodlands of our area and other habitats throughout the state. Rain seems to get them moving. I’m sure you have seen them on the road after a shower. They are omnivores, consuming insects, worms, berries, and even the deadliest of mushrooms with no ill effects. Perfectly harmless, but wash your hands after you handle them. 
Some believe they may carry salmonella. However, in the 50+ years I’ve been in contact with them I’ve never had a problem.
There are many more plants and animals to write about that time and space won’t allow. Many wildflowers appear haphazardly so they are seldom identified with a trail marker. There are many beginner-friendly field guides that can help identify most plants, trees, or mushrooms. Bird, insect, reptiles, and other animal guides can be seen at the Hill House.
This is one of the best years ever to walk the trails. I hope to see you out there!
Nature-ally yours,
Jeff Breazeale
PS. While on a visit to the Rackley Cemetery, Foundation Director Kathryn Coleman-Gravely and I stumbled upon two newborn deer! They were so still that we had to look closely just to see if they were breathing. They basically have no scent and remaining motionless is their only defense. We left them undisturbed, (as should anyone encountering this unique opportunity). It was an exciting thing to see!
