WEEK 21, September 20

Barry, Geoff, Hedrik, Marg

It was great to have as many as four of us out again after a few weeks of reduced numbers. Geoff took time out from his vacation to join us and so off we all went to the New Woods to continue our efforts at recutting. Hedrik had come in on Sunday to do some cutting, so we had piles of DSV from Friday and Sunday to bag up, while Geoff continued cutting and bagging in his favourite spot, the northwest corner backing onto Green Heron Road.

At break we had quite a discussion about the phenomenon Hedrik noted last week, that DSV is growing along the ground under the first-year burdock leaves in a large central patch. These plants appear to be weaker in terms of stems and more prolific in terms of pods. They are almost invisible beneath the burdock. Hedrik has been working on this now for the last three or four sessions, and sparked our discussion with speculation on the possible evolutionary reasons why DSV might grow in this way. This kind of discussion reminds us how little we know about this plant and helps frame questions for further thought and research.

The trail of bags...

Marg caught in the act

Hedrik pondering DSV growth patterns...

Our efforts resulted in 26 bags of DSV piled up behind the barn, where AAFC can easily leave a wagon for loading on Friday. 

Barry took a walk around FWG to see how things stand as our season winds down. The TISG has accomplished an amazing amount of work, with most major areas showing green rather than the yellowing vines of DSV with their fluffy white parachutes. These can still be found in various pockets, the southern part of the Old Field being the largest and worst of these. Most of these pockets are too advanced to deal with this year, but several areas, especially in the Ash Woods and the Ravine, are still susceptible to being cut. Weather is becoming a factor as are fall schedules, but we'll continue into early October at least.