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