Sometimes spring doesn't begin with a calendar... but with little flowers poking through the still cold ground.
On March 18, employees of the scientific department of the Tyligulskyi Regional Nature Reserve — Melnyk R.P. and Gruby M.V. — together with the acting head of the scientific and research department of the Biloberezhya Sviatoslava National Park Melnychuk S.S. made an expedition to the park. It would seem that it is ordinary work. But each such trip is a bit like a treasure hunt.
This time we were looking for early-flowering plants. And we found them.
Species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine are already blooming in the park: Odessa columbine (Gymnospermium odessanum), Colchicum bulbocodium versicolor, Elwes snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii), reticulated saffron (Crocus reticulatus), and spring adonis (Adonis vernalis).
Next to them are two-leaved snowdrop (Scilla bifolia), neglected grape hyacinth (Muscari neglestum), and small irises (Iris pumila). They seem to create the same spring background that we feel, even if we don't always notice it.
And, to be honest, there was one pleasant discovery. For the first time in the territory of the Tyligulskyi Regional Nature Reserve, a corydalis (Corydalis sp.) was recorded. It would seem like a trifle... but it is with such finds that great science begins
Expeditions like this aren't just about exploration. They're about noticing. Seeing. And understanding that all this beauty is right there with us.
So if you're going for a walk, just take a closer look. Spring is here.
