From damselflies & tadpoles to ladybug larvae & unidentified water insects, the flooded wetland plant beds are always a treat for the kids to explore at the King Conservation District's nursery. There were no adult frogs yet, but the fat tadpoles were fun. We potted-up alders and cascara / Rhamnus purshiana from 1 gallon pots to 2 gallons. Additionally, the kids had the chance to help load up a truck with native wetland and woodland species bound for Shadow Lake Bog which is a terrific-sounding nature preserve and education center in Renton. We look forward to possible working with them in the future to see our plants in action and tour the bog!
Cascara / Rhamnus purshiana A charming small native tree.
Alnus rubra / red alder roots showing Frankia bacteria- which are filamentous and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia via the enzyme nitrogenase, a process known as nitrogen fixation. This enables alders to be incredibly fast-growing pioneer species on disturbed soils.
Ladybug larva.
