Friends of Kootenay Blog
Access stories and photos about the natural and human history of Kootenay National Park and Columbia Valley Includes highlights about the Friends of Kootenay National Park activities and programs.
Blogs
Endangered Patch of Yellow
Posted: June 1, 2013
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
Posted: May 31, 2013
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 »
What's Up - Canadian Violet
Posted: May 28, 2013
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 »
Hummer Bummer
Posted: May 23, 2013
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 »
Alien Boogers
Posted: May 22, 2013
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 »
Friends of Kootenay AGM
Posted: May 21, 2013
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 »
Smart Sheep
Posted: May 19, 2013
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 »
What's Up - Spring Flowers
Posted: May 17, 2013
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 »
Just in Time!
Posted: May 16, 2013
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 »
Vertical Migrators
Posted: May 15, 2013
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 »
