Nature on the Fishing Line

by Tiffany Parker

We are lucky enough to enjoy our Fishing Line trail as it winds through the quiet beauty that is Noble County. If you are like me, as you wander along you take a moment to absorb the nature that surrounds you and might often find yourself wondering - what’s that?! I’m going to share a few things that I’ve spotted in my meandering to help visitors learn what is living along the trail.

Spring is always a great time to get out and enjoy the trails. Things are coming back to life, greening up and the chatter of creatures great & small can be heard all around you. Many of the wildflowers spotted along the trail are only around for a short time. Known as ephemerals, they have a bloom period of less than two weeks. Some of them only bloom for a day or two before they drop their petals. One of my favorites is bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) which blooms before you see the foliage while the foliage will last into the early fall. These eight petaled bright white flowers can be spotted sticking out above the ground with the foliage curled around it in late April and early May. In the photo, you can see some of the deeply lobed foliage opening up.

Bloodroot

A spring wildflower that tends to draw out the hummingbirds is Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). This red bell-like flower can be spotted in various spots along the trail and is typically just off the side of the trail. This flower can get up to 3’ tall and tends to be a-buzz with activity when fully in bloom.