Spring Awakens with Wake Robins

Walk as if your feet are kissing the Earth - Thich Nhat Hanh

A walk after several days of rainfall provided a taste of Spring - already!  One sure sign that Spring is on its way is the flowering Wake Robin - or Trillium - that can be seen along the moist forest floor.  

The nickname Wake Robin stems from the fact that these delicate wonders pop up just as the robins (bird) make their return from winter.  Here are some cool facts about Wake Robins: 

• Ants are attracted to the seeds of this plant and are thus responsible for the dispersal of their seeds! 
  
• Picking parts off of a trillium plant can kill it even if the rhizome is left undisturbed - so, please, DON'T PICK THEM!  
  
• The plant is also referred to Birthwort due to its past medicinal uses as a uterine stimulant
• The trillium is a member of the Lily Family

I love seeing these when I walk the forest - just a delicate sight to behold.  Below are some pics from our Hillside Loop trail - just a couple - the redwoods enchant me at this time of year.  We also saw the beginnings of the wonderful Fetid Adders Tongue - it is so much fun to walk the woods and explore.  Come join us!

Today - we endeavor to explore the incredible Stornetta Lands!  Photos to come! But, for now, a sneak peak of Spring in the redwoods!