September 7, 2015

Five pits were quarried here; now there are two large water-filled holes on either side of a rock pile that extends from some 90 feet below grade to some 60 feet above. At the base of the rocks is a small wetland, and two weeks ago planting began there: 364 plants, 17 species, including cardinal flower, swamp milkweed, great blue lobelia, sensitive fern, and wild hydrangea. “Keepers” found on and near the site included—growing among the rocks about six feet up—two, perhaps three, species of white spiranthes spiralis: small wild lady’s-tresses orchids whose blossoms spiral around their stems. (Also noted: medicinal leeches, Carolina satyr butterflies, and a saddleback (stinging caterpillar.)

Sprianthes diversity.

Sprianthes diversity.