|
June is when spring’s gentle nudge becomes a full summer embrace! Summer solstice arrives on June 20th this year, marking the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. Although, nature doesn’t wait for a calendar; prairie grasses at Kelly Creek Preserve are growing rapidly, and ferns at Drewiske are full and feathery. Towards the end of the month, keep an eye out for black-capped raspberries, as they will begin to ripen.
Birdsong reaches its seasonal crescendo in June. Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Common Yellowthroats are active in the mornings, and Tree Swallows can be seen darting over the river surface for insects. The Kinnickinnic River shifts to a center of activity as trout find solace in shaded pools during warmer days, while damselflies and dragonflies patrol the river's edge.
Insect life explodes this month, supporting the rich food web of the watershed. Monarchs are returning and beginning their egg-laying on milkweed. Last month, students in the Rooted Together program raised Painted Lady butterflies before releasing them into the watershed, and intend to raise another batch this month. Fawns are being born and often tucked away in tall grass (remember to observe from a distance if you see one). With longer days, warmer nights, and a growing chorus of frogs and birds, June in the Kinni watershed is a time of energy, abundance, and wonder. Whether you’re paddling the river, walking the trails, or just noticing nature in your own backyard, this month offers plenty of magical moments!
Happen to see something interesting during your next walk along the trails? We want to see! Send a picture to me at Jane@kinniriver.org for a chance to have your story highlighted on social media or next month's e-newsletter.
Photograph by Mark Ritzinger
| 
