Landsford Canal, A Whole New World Part II

Landsford Canal by A. James

Once again, the BIO 102 class was fortunate enough to visit Landsford Canal State Park.  This is two semesters in a row!  The Landsford canal was part of the SC canal system built in the 1800's.  The canal was built on a land grant to Thomas Land.  Travelers would ford the river at this location.  Including, Thomas Sumter, Lord Cornwallis, and portions of General Sherman's Union army.

The canal was started in 1819 and completed in approximately 1823 at an estimated cost of $120,000 in 1800's dollars.  The barges would carry 40 bails of cotton for a fee of 1 cents/bail.  What does that business model look like?  How many fully loaded barges would have to travel through to cover the cost of building the canal (not to mention to maintain/staff/operate it)?  (Source:  Dr. Steve Fields, May 19, 2011)

Of course, we went to enjoy/learn about the natural history.  Each time we go, we see new sites (October 2011 visit).  Here are a few of the things we saw...

Spiderwort Tradescantia virginiana L.

Spider Web-there were a lot!

Catkin

Christmas Fern?

 

Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) 

             

American Holly Ilex opaca Aiton

We always see a snake when we go to Landsford.  No one has ever been harmed...not even the snake.  We found this Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi), along the river trail.

Spanish Moss

Can you name this caterpillar?

River Park Rock Hill SC April 2012

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

The YTC BIO 102 class visited River Park this past Wednesday to observe mosses and ferns.  River Park, part of the City of Rock Hill parks system, is not to be confused with River Walk, another park along the Catawba river, just upstream from River Park.  As we walked along the riverside trail, composed of recycled tires, we noticed several familiar species.  We start all outdoor excursions with an orientation on how to use the binoculars, making sure we keep a watch for legless reptiles, and are familiar with other hazards, including be able to recognize poison ivey.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea 

Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides

Of course, the purpose of the trip was to observe mosses and ferns.  Our favorite guide, with long and rapid keys, is "An Identification Guide to the Ferns of the Florida Panhandle," by Landon Ross. Our best guess of the ferns is listed.  However, feedback is appreciated, since we are not certain of the identification.

Fiddleheads

Ebony Spleenwort Asplenium platyneuron

Shelf fungi - Basidiomycetes

We quickly became familiar with the Ebony Spleenwort.  Definitely the most numerous of the ferns at River Park.

We also noticed some other species that we studied earlier in the semester, and some new ones as well.  Note, the River Cane is the only native American bamboo.

Yellow wood-Sorrel Oxalis europea

River cane (Arundinaria gigantean) 

Crossvine ( Bignonia capreolata )

Not Yet Identified

The students were told the Crossvine was Trumpet Honeycreeper, but upon further review, it appears it is Crossvine.
The Asiatic clams are invasive species that have displaced the native mussels, such as the Carolina Heelsplitter.  The excursions to River Park are always enjoyable and educational.  This one was no different.  We are thankful for the opportunity!

Asiatic Clams

Museum Of York County 2012SP Visit

Once again it was the privilege of the BIO 102 class to experience the Museum of York County under the guidance of Dr. Steve Fields.  We spent most of our time in the Naturalist Center studying fossils and mammal skulls.

I took a few photos that I wanted  the BIO 102 students to remember/be able to discuss.

Bobcat  Lynx rufus

Mountain Lion  Puma concolor

Note the Bobcat and Mountain Lion skulls.  They have canines and no molars.  Their canines overlap to enable them to bite through the spine at the cervical (neck) vertebrae, instantly killing their prey.  This is unlike wolves and hyenas that will eat the bowels of their prey, while the victim is still living.

Whitetail Deer Tracks

Whitetail  Deer Odocoileus virginianus 

The White tail deer is a common occurrence in York County, SC.

Macaw Skull

Opossum Didelphis virginiana

Domestic Cat  Felis catus (L.)  

The opossum is a marsupial, in contrast to placental mammals, such as the domestic cat.