Day 226: As scheduled, today I finished installing the signs to protect three large colonies of Calypso Orchids in the Longmire Campground, and was delighted to see that dozens of new blossoms have opened since last week. Even more thrilling was finding another less accessible colony off to the side of one of the least-used campsites. I did not sign the latter group because they are more protected by the geography than the others. It was interesting to note that the area where the new colony had sprung up was one we cleared of deadfall last year. Apparently opening the ground up to light was sufficient to bring the bulbs out of a protracted dormancy. I am discovering that these fragile plants have astonishing recovery abilities. In yet another area, they are making a comeback a year's absence following heavy foot traffic. That said, my campaign for their protection will be an on-going project for many years to come!
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