Tag Archives: Amy Ruegg

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Amy Ruegg found an early Wild Ginger, Asarum caudatum, in bloom. They are  members of the Pipevine Family, and they are found in moist forests.

These plants don't actually have petals; they have three maroon sepals that are often hidden under the heart-shaped leaves. The leaves give this native wildflower its common name of Wild Ginger. Rub them gently to release a ginger scent.

Banana Slugs and Ants play a role in pollinating this beautiful plant, carrying its seeds to new locations in the forest. They are low growers, so you need to pay attention. Amy photographed this Wild Ginger on a trail on The Sea Ranch last weekend.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Once again we are having nothing but blue skies and warm temps. Many Gray Whales are being seen in this calm stretch of weather. They are headed southward for the birthing and mating lagoons off of Baja. It's always a thrill to see spouts out on the ocean.

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Amy Ruegg wrote, “I thought you might enjoy seeing my amphibian friends found at the Hot Spot! A juvenile Western Toad was hopping enthusiastically over the rounded river stones and was so challenging to photograph." The Hot Spot is on The Sea Ranch, a sunny place along the Gualala River.

Amy continues, "A Rough-skinned Newt was squirming quickly into the fallen leaves at river’s edge. They are so cute and surprisingly bright orange underneath I am wishing for rain while I enjoy autumn’s abundance!”

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

The smoke is much less today and the humidity is higher. With a series of three storms headed our way, we are (literally) breathing easier.

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One of the easiest waterfalls to see is the one at Stengel Beach on The Sea Ranch. Amy Ruegg went to check it out on Saturday after the big, juicy storm we just had. It did not disappoint.  You can almost hear the waterfall.

Here's a photo Amy took from the bluffs, showing paintbrush in bloom with the waterfall behind it.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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After a very dry December, we are looking forward to some wet stuff - rain! With the rain, we hope the coast's seasonal creeks will come back to life and bring us sightings of waterfalls.

In late November, Amy Ruegg photographed this waterfall at Stengel Beach, one of the public access trails on The Sea Ranch.

We will also be watching to see when the Gualala River will breach the sandbar that currently is blocking most of the river from entering the Pacific Ocean. The best place to witness this exciting event is from the Gualala Bluff Trail.

And we will be looking for more mushrooms to appear. Winter is a fun and interesting time to be on the Mendonoma coast.

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photo here.

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Amy Ruegg photographed two members of the Orchid family, Merten's Coralroot and Spotted Coralroot. They depend on fungi for the nutrients they need. First is the Merten's.

And here is the Spotted.

Because they need fungi in the soil to thrive, they cannot be transplanted. If you find one, just admire it and feel fortunate that you got to see one!

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.