Mt. Pleasant Classical Academy

So here we were having a leisurely stroll around the pond. Truth be told we went into a little cove area and while I explored the edge of the cove MK fished, SK paddled slowly, and DH read.

The cove was gorgeous without any evidence of man’s interference in its life.

Then I noticed that the guys were all hanging around this spot, excitedly they were calling me over to them. What could be so exciting? It was just a log sticking out into the water with stuff growing on it. Right? I had seen that often enough in nature. A tree falls over and vegetation starts growing in the tree-rich nutrient matter.

Of course I was wrong. This log held much more than mere vegetation.

As I got closer the guys pointed out the maple tree starting to grow in the end of the log.

Then they pointed out the pitcher plants, and the sundews. My boat wouldn’t stay still enough for me to photograph the sundews so you’ll have to take my word. We would NOT get out on the log or touch these delicate plants for a picture.

There were more and more pitcher plants. Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a cavity filled with liquid known as a pitfall trap. Flies are attracted to the liquid and there they stay. Ummm, lunch. There were pitcher plants everywhere.

But the real treat, the real surprise was the orchid.  At least we believe it is an orchid however I haven’t found the plant on orchid lists.

This unique plant, the only one we spotted on the log was there for us to admire. The boys were the ones to find all these plants and I admired how they had reminded me to not touch, to not disturb the plants. They went on to tell me that this was a unique habitat with several different zones. How fun to see them do the teaching.

At least we think it is an orchid. Anyone know for sure?

If you ever come across such plants leave them be. Do not touch them or disturb their habitat or worst yet, pick them, or dig them up to transplant them into your yard. Your yard may not be the correct habitat for them and Nature will suffer for sure.