We had a real treat today when we found this unusual looking caterpillar on the O'Loughlin trail.  At first I thought it might be a small rubber child's toy. On closer inspection, I found it was a caterpillar and  very much alive.  While graciously photogenic in the middle of the trail, we moved the caterpillar to the side so no one would inadvertently take a wrong step.

Once home I googled the caterpillar to find it is a Spicebush Swallowtail, Papillo troilus, which turns yellow before it pupates.  More information can be found at http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Papilio-troilus

Met a very nice woman today who has just discovered the conservation areas and is burning through the trails.  She wondered why some are marked and others aren't.  I pointed her in the right direction.

Glorious late summer day with asters and golden rod blooming.

Met Dr. Greg McGee with his students from ESF today on the trails at Guppy.  He brings students for a variety of programs using this great resource.  Today's group consisted of grad students who would in turn lead freshman groups next week on the property.

Even the elderberries are early this year....in July?

Lots of work has been done at the Federal Farm: a new stone dust entry way and  cutting of buck thorn along the western edge. Quiet afternoon. We had the place to ourselves which is unusual.

The last time I saw Guppy Falls there was some water dribbling down but today I wasn't sure.  The lack of rain has taken its toll on this also.

How irresponsible can someone be?  We walked up to the top of the steps at Guppy Farm and were greeted by this area which had been someone's fire pit.  With the recent dry weather one stray spark could've resulted in a huge fire on this hillside.  What were these people thinking?