We haven't had a field trip for quite a while and yesterday, with warmth and sun making the world seem new and fresh, we took a ride to Anamosa and Wapsipinicon State Park. I think both of those names are spelled right, but if not, forgive me. .
We left from Grand Living where the flags were half mast to commemorate fallen Iowa State Troopers.
We arrived at the park in about 40 minutes and took time for a look at the now unused bridge and the dam on the river.
The park is nestled in a valley cut by the Wapsipinicon River or the "Wapsi" as the locals prefer. The park roads and trails sometimes follow the river and at other times move along the higher ridges and bluffs. The rocky cliffs are definitely interesting to geologists and there are several stone quarries in the area. A number of the park's structures were built with this local stone by prisoners at the state prison in Anamosa. The prison itself was built of this hard grey stone as well.
What was truly enjoyable was to see the patches of new spring growth and wildflowers. We need more knowledge here but these are Sweet Williams we think.
This one needs more research.
Some early violets were easy to identify.
This one is still a mystery.
These seem to be Morning Stars
May Apples are easy.
Watch out for this one. It's stinging nettle.
The woods still show some damage from last year's derecho.
Under current forest management philosophy most of the trees are left to decay where they fell. Occasionally when a larger one blocked a road, it was cut.
The park features a sporty nine hole golf course.
Thanks to Art and Carol who led this little excursion.
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