Drought Affects LITH Fen Plants, Too

Sunday was the midpoint in LITH nature expert Barb Wilson's 2012 series of Fen Walks through Lake in the Hills Fen highlighting "Summer Color".  Only there wasn't an awful lot of it thanks to the drought of 2012.  "Some (native plants) were early, some are late and some are just 'no way'," she said, adding cheerfully, "Wait 'till next year."

"They're perennials. (In the drought) they just put all their energy into their roots so they can get ready to come back," said Wilson.  "The don't need fertilizer, they don't need water.  That's why we recommend planting them in your yard."

Wilson has two more FEN Walks scheduled this season.  Sept. 9 will be Fen Appreciation Day and Oct. 14 will be Fall Grasses and Seeds Day.  Both walking tours will begin at 2 pm at Barbara Keys Park in LITH.

In the pic: Also on tap at LITH Fen is a Sept. 29 event, Wilson's annual Harvest Expedition to collect native plant seeds to plant next year where invasive species have been grubbed out.  That one will also meet at Key Park from 4 to 8 pm.