Showing posts with label Balsamorhiza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Balsamorhiza. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Blooming Bear Trap Meadow

Although these images were not taken in August I'm going to show them anyway as I didn't show them last bloom day. Bear Trap meadow is an open meadow on top of Casper Mountain. Casper mountain is a long mountain on the north part of the Laramie mountains overlooking Casper, Wyoming along the North Platte River. Elevation is 8130 and there is a 3000 foot climb to the top.
 It holds a special place in my heart as I have fond memories picnicing there while young with my parents, taking my boys there when they were young, and of course enjoying it even more in my "later" years. This is part of the Natrona County Park System and when I was in junior high I had a summer job picking up trash and downed lumber. I didn't appreciate the splendor then but I do now.
The meadow is used extensively for winter sports such as snowmobile races, cross country and of course sledding. In the summer large parties use the pavilions, camping and picnic areas. Wildflowers are abundant as you will see. In early August there is the Beartrap Music Festival which brings in quite a few bluegrass bands.
 A Juncus variety I think Allium canadense-wild onion-(thanks Susan for the ID)
I have spent hours trying to identify some of these plants, as above.
Geum triflorium-Prairie smoke, Antennaria arcuata-meadow pussytoes with Juncus-above
 
Balsamorhiza-Balsamroot
More photos to come.
As always the 15h of the month means Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, join Carol at May Dreams Garden to view blooms from around the world.