Top Photo: Tiny fruit of early spring pawpaw.

A few weeks ago we saw the blooming of the pawpaw flowers. Pollination has occurred and we now have fruit growing from the stalks.

Green anoles have awakened to the spring. The big males are displaying their rosy dew lap.

Fringe tree blossoms have come and gone.

Swamp rose has acquired galls initiated by tiny wasps, spiny rose gall wasps (Diplolepis bicolor). The wasps lay eggs in the plant stem which stimulates the plant into growing the gall around the eggs protecting the wasp larvae within, and feeding them as well.

As the season rolls along and the larvae mature, they eventually, in the following spring, chew their way out of the gall and start the cycle all over again.

Check the rose branches and stems for tree frogs while you’re pondering the galls.

Blue flag iris is in bloom.

And finally, look for coral honeysuckle, the native variety, at the wetlands and other locations in Catch the Wind and Explore the Wild.

There’s a lot happening outside and it’s happening fast. Get out there and experience it.

Ranger Greg