Black River 'Bog'

At the end of June I got to join other members of the Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society for a full day of fun at a special place in Cape Breton. Called the 'Black River Bog,' it is a wetland that is more of a fen and a marsh than a bog, in the technical sense. It is home to some uncommon and very rare plants, such as yellow lady's slippers.

The main trail is an old railbed, easily traveled, but we had to bushwhack into the wet bushes and trees, of course. I'd been here once before, and found an amazing colony of showy lady's slippers. 

This protected area is at the north end of Lake Ainsley, and I can tell there is a lot to see in this area of NS.

We were pleasantly surprised to see some yellow lady's slippers, just finishing their brief blooming season. It was quite an arduous romp through the woods, with no trail, especially for the 86 year old member of the group! We survived, and she did not implement any punishment upon me, after leading them all 'astray.' ;)

There were many beautiful sights, amid the plants and birds and scenery. I liked this scene upon a wooden bridge, like a bonsai arrangement of mountain ash, mountain holly and black crowberry...

One very rare species in this protected area is hoary willow / sage-leaf willow. I think this is the only NS location for it. 

In the same location, along the trail, are some other uncommon plants, including this unobtrusive, green orchid: northern wind bog orchid. I have seen this in other locations.

Some more common orchids were also seen, such as this dragon's mouth, one of three pink species seen in succession in the bogs at this time of year.

Oh, and the showy lady's slipper? The plants were not yet blooming in Cape Breton that day. They were arising and unfurling leaves, but the flower buds were not visible yet. Back on the mainland they would be out. Below is a photo from Cape Breton, alongside one little plant I have in my garden at home, in Amherst. 

 This one day in Cape Breton whetted my appetite. I need to get back this summer for more hiking and exploring. You should enjoy it too!