Phenology Friday

Noticings for the week of July 19-26, 2024 in Fairbanks, Alaska

Mid- to late July is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. This year, it was hot! But thankfully, not very smoky. Before it became quite hot, we had a couple weeks of cool weather and rain, which knocked down the fires. With the rain and the following heat, plant life has been living large. Fireweed is in full bloom and looking gorgeous. The bees were having a wonderful feast in the field of fireweed. However, it won’t be long before the blooms ascend to the top of the plant and their fuzzy seeds start to break free, signifying summer winding down.

fireweed in bloom

honeybee and fireweed

There are also many mushrooms popping up in the forest! I’m searching for my mushroom book to figure out what ones are edible—until then I’ll just admire and reap the benefits of having a friend with a secret porchini patch!