doorya's Identifications

Used to be a bit more familiar with a few individual species of ribes... most Gooseberries have thorns and most Currants are without... yet maybe some exceptions.

I enjoy eating them all, while some are more bitter than others and may slightly upset your stomach if eaten in large quantities... This is one of my favorites (familiar with it's characteristics, unable to remember which species) and I collect and consume quite a bit of them throughout the Eastern Sierra. They are sweet and tasty.

Spring in the Carson Range.

Unfortunately, this area has since burned... after a controlled fire was thought to be out in the valley above, yet unattended, it erupted in high winds into a massive fire in the middle of the night in November 2016, going well beyond what was intended.

The ranch that owned the access road that Nevada state agencies, including folks associated with UNR used, abruptly and understandably decided to close the road after they lost their home, several buildings, and half their land to the fire. They were never reimbursed (as everyone else who lost homes, structures, use/ecology of their land in the area also experienced), so they closed all access. While I had a good relationship with this historic Nevada ranch since the late 1980's, it began to mark the end of an era of having relationships with some bears for 8 to 15 years, over three decades.

Added one "after" photo taken March 16, 2017.

Here's some of the record of the plants and wildlife that once thrived at the bottom of this lower ridge of the Carson Range, already open and clear of any accumulation of "fuels". I once worked as a Fire Rehab Specialist (and Wildland Firefighter) for the Bureau of Land Management out of Carson City... this place was burned with intense heat. More observations on the way.

I included this whole area of Arrowleaf Balsomroot as one observation, because this plant usually grows in high numbers wherever it is found, so felt it best to avoid numerous observations.

These beautiful plants that brilliantly announce that spring is here for sure, are edible top to bottom, yet the roots are best if roasted for a long time. I enjoy the flowers on occasion, while hiking. It also has medicinal uses.