Rivers, Streams, Creeks – Page 6 – Michael Stephen Wills Photography

Whispers from the Rocks: The Vivid World of the Red Columbine

Discover the vibrant Red Columbine of Treman Gorge, a masterpiece of adaptation and survival nestled among ancient rocks. Explore how this delicate beauty thrives in the harsh cliffs of the Finger Lakes.

May 13, 2024May 12, 2024 MichaelStephenWills11 Comments

Wandering through the verdant paths of Treman Gorge, amidst the rough-hewn charm of the Finger Lakes Region, I find myself entranced by a striking botanical jewel, the Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Amid the prehistoric tapestry of shale and limestone, these delicate red and yellow flowers stand out with a vivacity that seems almost audacious against the stoic gray of their rocky backdrop.

The Red Columbine, with its unique, nodding bell-like flowers, is more than just a feast for the eyes. Each bloom is a masterclass in the art of survival and adaptation. The elongated, tubular structure of its flowers, splashed with a bold red that fades into a sun-kissed yellow, is nature’s perfect lure for its pollinators. The petals curve back, as if arching away in a graceful flare, exposing the stamens and pistils in an inviting display for hummingbirds, which, in their quest for nectar, become unwitting partners in the dance of pollination.

As I tread softly along the mossy stones, the sheer cliff faces of the gorge serve as a stark reminder of the relentless passage of time. Yet here, in this ancient cradle, the Red Columbine thrives in pockets of soil that seem to defy gravity. It’s a botanical ballet, with each plant performing its survival routine rooted in crevices that gather just enough humus to sustain life.

The air is cool and moist, the faint murmur of Enfield Creek a constant whisper beneath the chorus of bird calls. This is a place of subtle enchantment where every glance reveals the rugged beauty of nature intertwined with the delicate persistence of life. The columbines, with their whimsical spirals of spurs and lush, lobed leaves, appear almost otherworldly. They thrive here in the dappled sunlight, a testament to their resilience and a reminder of nature’s quiet defiance against the odds.

Red Columbine with steel rebar driven into the rock to anchor lifesaving lines. Found near Lucifer Falls, Robert H Treman New York State Park, Ithaca, Tompkins County

In this serene alcove, time slows. The Red Columbine’s pendulous blooms sway gently with the breeze, each movement a soft ballet in the verdant amphitheater of Treman Gorge. This flower, with its fiery hues and intricate form, embodies the spirit of the wild that surrounds us. It stands as a vibrant contrast against the somber stones, a living splash of color against the monochrome palette of the gorge.

As I pause to capture this moment, camera in hand, I am reminded of the fragile beauty that thrives in these hidden corners of the earth. The Red Columbine, with its enchanting flowers and rugged perseverance, is a symbol of the wild heart that beats strong within the quiet solitude of Treman Gorge. Here, in the heart of the Finger Lakes, beauty and resilience bloom in the most unexpected places, painting the landscape with strokes of floral brilliance.

Viola pubescens: A Delight of the Deciduous Forest

The yellow forest violet, Viola pubescens, with bright yellow flowers, serves as nectar source and butterfly host, indicating forest health and offering medicinal uses.

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 MichaelStephenWills4 Comments

The yellow forest violet is easily recognizable by its bright yellow flowers, which add a splash of color to the forest floor in early to mid-spring. The petals are slightly fringed and the lower petal exhibits delicate veins that serve as nectar guides for pollinators. The leaves of Viola pubescens are heart-shaped with a slight pubescence, or fuzziness, that gives the plant its characteristic downy appearance.

As a member of the Violet family, Viola pubescens is important ecologically. It serves as an early source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant is a host for the larvae of some Fritillary butterflies, playing a crucial role in their lifecycle.

This plant not only contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat but also enchants those who wander through its woodland home. The presence of Viola pubescens indicates a healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystem, making it an excellent indicator of ecological stability.

Viola pubescens is also noted for its medicinal uses among Native American tribes, who used various parts of the plant to treat ailments ranging from colds to heart trouble. The roots and leaves were often used in traditional remedies, showcasing the plant’s utility beyond its aesthetic appeal.

In summary, Viola pubescens, or the yellow forest violet, is a noteworthy component of the North American woodland biome. Its ecological role and historical significance make it a valued species for both naturalists and conservationists alike.

Cardamine diphylla: A Woodland Marvel

Step into the spring woods and discover the broadleaf toothwort, Cardamine diphylla. Marvel at its white blossoms and deep-lobed leaves, and uncover its vital role in both early pollination and traditional medicinal practices.

May 11, 2024May 12, 2024 MichaelStephenWills3 Comments

Broadleaf toothwort, Cardamine diphylla, plays a charming role in the ecosystem of deciduous forests, often carpeting the forest floor with its distinctive greenery and white blossoms during the spring. This plant is particularly noted for its broad, compound leaves that usually consist of two or three leaflets, each characterized by deep lobes and a somewhat wrinkled appearance, lending it the name “crinkle root.”

The flowers of the broadleaf toothwort are a notable feature, emerging in clusters atop slender, upright stems. Each bloom presents four white petals that form a delicate cross, a typical trait of the Brassicaceae family, to which it belongs. The flowering period spans early to mid-spring, making it one of the earlier blooms in woodland areas, which plays a critical role in the local ecology. These flowers are not just a visual treat but are also vital for early-season pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing them with necessary nectar.

Moreover, Cardamine diphylla is more than just a visual and ecological gem. It has historical uses in traditional medicine and cuisine. Native American tribes utilized the peppery roots of the toothwort as a seasoning and as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments.

The presence of Cardamine diphylla is also an indicator of the health of the forest ecosystem. Thriving populations of this plant suggest a well-preserved habitat, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation.

In summary, Cardamine diphylla, with its ecological significance and historical uses, represents a small but vital part of North America’s natural heritage, highlighting the intricate connections within woodland ecosystems and the importance of preserving these natural environments.

Copyright 2024 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

224 Steps

Each wall is support for the next flight of stairs

May 3, 2024May 2, 2024 MichaelStephenWills1 Comment

The stairs are cut into a cliff, using switchbacks with landings and strategically placed benches.

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This work was accomplished by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression.

These shots were hand held. I used a Sony Alpha 700 dslr with a variable “zoom” lens, great for framing compositions.

Robert H. Treman New York State Park.

Click for macro slideshow.

Lower Lucifer Falls, early spring evening

Lucifer Falls with Hemlock Curtain — Lower Lucifer Falls, early spring evening

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

So Like A Christmas Tree

Icicles Catch The Light

May 2, 2024 MichaelStephenWills6 Comments

Approaching the Cliff Stair after a sudden April frost.

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Lucifer Falls in spring flood is a constant roar.

These shots were hand held. I used a Sony Alpha 700 dslr with a variable “zoom” lens, great for framing compositions.

Robert H. Treman New York State Park.

Click for macro slideshow.

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

Spring Outing III

Red Pine on the level

April 24, 2024April 21, 2024 MichaelStephenWills4 Comments

One hundred and fifty feet in a series of steep climbs is the effort expended to reach the relatively level portion of South Rim Trail where the tall Red Pines briefly reign. Here the trees thrive on the northeast facing slope. They grow in this way in one other location, in the upper park, on an eponymous trail.

Encounters with groups of people descending always demanded I step off the trail to allow social distancing. Everyone work a flimsy face covering, although Governor Coumo’s order covers situations where social distancing is not possible. As of you, we do not have the loose masks; but only the N95 or a full respirator (both acquired very early on, our respirators were purchased for spreading lawn chemicals and spray painting).

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Red Pine (Pinus resinosa), also know as Norway Pine, shed pollen prolifically. Some Aprils my boots are covered with it, a dusting of yellow. Not today.

A species easy to spot among the green, an example of a shrub of the genus Gaultheria, though a very small specimen. The common name is wintergreen and I have never found larger specimens in Treman park. It is growing among the mosses on the wall of Enfield Glen South Rim.

Macro, Red Berry and Leaves of Wintergreen with unidentified moss

The tough wintergreen leaves endue the cold seasons, the name is synonymous with evergreen.

Both shots are handheld, the macro is from a 100 mm “macro” fixed focus lens. ISO 2500, the f-stop to be wide open at 2.8 to gather the sparse light and present the subjects, blurring the immediate background. The overview shot is also a high ISO, 2000, the f-stop 5.8 on a variable focus lens set to 60 mm.

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

Spring Outing II

Lower Waterfall

April 23, 2024April 13, 2024 MichaelStephenWills2 Comments

This series of posts opens with the ascent to where the wildflowers grow.

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After just a taste of the climb to come, hikers are treated to an view of the Lower Falls of Enfield Creek. I call them the Wedding Cake. Summertime, a dam is erected, the water is deep enough to dive into the very cold creek water, lower than 70 degrees.

The trail is on a beetling crag.

Looking up Enfield Glen above the falls. Up to the trail, keeping distance was no problem. It is nowhere near as crowded as the trail to Taughannock Falls in February.

Spring Outing I

Revisiting a Socially Distanced outing

April 22, 2024April 13, 2024 MichaelStephenWills10 Comments

Parks were open during Govenor Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE.” Still, as a member of the at-risk group I was reluctant to visit, unsure of how crowded it will be. On a Monday afternoon, bright with sun, I drove over to Robert H. Treman lower park to check out the situation.

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I carried the Sony in hand and packed in a Canon with macro lens and a Manfrotto travel tripod.

The path to a trail that climbs up the south side of Enfield Glen crosses Enfield Creek via a bridge, wends through cabins……

…..then heads up stairs that can seem to be forever. The green sign with white letters is new. This the South Rim Trail avoids the cliffs that make the Gorge trail so dangerous November through May.