Blogs

 
Buffalo Bean an endangered plant in BC - May27, 2013 by Larry Halverson

Pea-like flowers that form pea like poisonous pods by Larry Halverson

Buffalo Bean. This is one plant you won't find in the Rocky Mountain Flower guides as it is primarily a prairie plant. But this patch of yellow was seen along the edge of the highway south of Numa Falls in Kootenay National Park. It may have been introduce from a vehicle traveling from Alberta.  Read more »

Leaf Miner leaves a trail of frass (fancy word for insect poop) on the mine floor - by Larry Halverson
 

It is hard to believe that there are creatures so small that they can live and grow between the upper and lower leaf surface and yet be visible to the human eye. Read more »

 
Canadian Violet in the shaded woods along Sinclair Creek by Larry Halverson

The Canadian Violet is one of 13 species of violets found in Kootenay National Park.  Read more »

 
Black-chinned Humming Bird feeding by Susie MacDonald

 Susie MacDonald sent another interesting photo taken this morning in Kimberley. She calls it a “Hummer Bummer”.I’m sure the hummingbirds along with locals were not expecting to wake up to snow. Read more »

Gymnosporangium found in Columbia Lake Park by Susie MacDonald

Susie MacDonald sent Friends of Kootenay this photo of what looks like a glob of orange jelly in a juniper. It is actually a fungus known by mycologists as Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae or to orchidist as Cedar-Apple Rust. Read more »

 

to Astoria -Tracing the Columbia 200 Years, Many Nations, One River Basin
 

On June 3, 2011 ten Voyageur North Canoes departed from Invermere, British Columbia on a 1,700 kilometre trip to Astoria, Oregon via the Kootenay, Clark Fork, Pend Oreille and Columbia rivers. On July 15, 2011, the international 2011 David Thompson Columbia Brigade completed this six week journey, arriving in Astoria, Oregon 200 years to the day that explorer and fur trader David Thompson’s arrived in 1811.  Read more »

 
Bighorn Sheep on the mile hill, south of Radium Hot Springs by Larry Halverson

It is good to see that Bighorn Sheep have finally smartened up and are now obeying the sheep highway crossing sign. Read more »

One minute of Kootenay's Wildflowers by Larry Halverson 

I can't imagine a spring and summer without wildflowers. They treat our eyes to a beautiful variety of shapes and colour. Read more »

 
Black Bear booting across the highway in Kootenay National Park May 14, 2013 - by Larry Halverson

What makes it bad for drivers and bears is when an unseen bear jumps the guard rail onto the highway
 by Larry Halverson

Drive with caution when traveling through the park. This time of year bears are attracted to roadside dandelions. Read more »

 
Dusky Grouse once called the Blue Grouse - by Larry Halverson

Dusky Grouse dose a reverse migration from most wildlife. In winter they migrate up the mountain and feed on conifer needles. Then in spring move back down the valleys to breed.  Read more »