Don’t forget to contact us if you’re planning to attend one of the two events we’re hosting at the Platte River Prairies in July. Our public field day on July 9 is free and doesn’t require any registration other than to email Mardell (mjasnowski@tnc.org) so we know how many people are coming and can contact you if plans change. The Conserving Fragmented Prairies workshop (July 25-26) we’re co-hosting with Prairie Plains Resource Institute does require a simple registration, but is also free of charge. Registration deadline is July 1. You can see information about both those events HERE.

Today’s post is a dump of miscellaneous photos from the last couple weeks. I’ve been really busy with data collection and outreach projects, as well as stewardship of our family prairie. Still, I’ve tried to get to the field a little early, or stay a little late, to take advantage of photo-friendly light when it comes around. Most of these images were taken during those periods, which make my days longer, but also more inspiring. If you want a closer look at any of the images, just click on them.

It’s been a stormy May and June around here, with some very damaging hail and winds. A couple weeks ago, a storm rolled through in the morning and I scooted out to Lincoln Creek Prairie to catch its backside as it moved to the southeast. This storm was pretty mild but had great lightning.

I keep being drawn to patches of foxtail barley this summer. The texture is just so gorgeous, especially with a low angle sun. As I’ve been photographing the patches, I’m also noticing all the insects that are feeding on the pollen of this grass – and the spiders and predatory insects hunting those pollen-feeders. It’s been a fun community to explore.