by Catherine Johnson
While others are away in the cool mountains,* a group of us decided to check on the condition of the El Camino Real Master Naturalist Butterfly Garden in Milano, which we started a number of years ago.
It is in complete disarray but still with butterflies and other insects trying to hold on to smothered natives. A memorial on the site is also in complete disarray. We are considering possible solutions to make the area respectful.
Eric Neubauer and Linda Jo Conn did some BioBlitzing, and Eric was later given a tour of the Milam Wildscape, which he hadn’t visited before.
Unexpected Adventure
As we worked on the Butterfly Garden, I gained Master Naturalist volunteer hours for Nature Improvement in Public Areas, learned what false garlic and Carolina Snail vine look like, learned what a pipevine swallowtail butterfly looks like, and got to know new member Eric.
While in Milano I also got to hear lots of trains and watch the lowering of the flag at the post office. It was a balmy day balmy day and a good one for exercise!
Oh, and we found odd gourds near the train tracks. That was unexpected.
*She is referring to the Chapter President, Suna, who has escaped to Utah. She will post!
Nature Along the El Camino Real 