I thought I'd give an update on what's growing and not growing along the Lake Calhoun trail after this summer's "mis-mowing" incident.

(Pardon the irregular posts lately. I've been absent for awhile following my father's death and dealing with related family needs, I hope to get back on a regular schedule now)

In case you're just tuning in, the misdirected mowing cleared the shoreline giving a great view of the water while taking away an important source of food, shelter and nesting sites from pollinators, birds and other animals that live in this urban and diverse little ecosystem along the lake.

Back to walking the trails afterward I've noticed some regrowth of the plants that were mowed down. Shoots of common milkweed have reappeared yet this tender new growth probably hasn't had time to harden off in time for approaching winter conditions.

A few sprigs of wild asters dot the area with what blooms they could muster. Without the larger plants full of blooms the bees would have foraged over, they also aren't there to set seed as the season ends.

The mowing opened up the shoreline to more sun exposure seeming to allow more grasses to grow, some good and some not so great. With this year's rains blurring the boundaries of the lakeshore, lots of wet areas are now favoring the growth of more aquatic or boggy plants, once again, good and bad.

Interestingly there is a burgeoning stand of horsetail occurring in one spot. Horsetail is a native plant and yet quite aggressive, people love it (like architects for its ramrod straight habit) and others hate it (for its nonstop march to world domination).

What's curious is that it's appearing right across the road from a huge installation of horsetail in a home's contemporary landscape. This ancient plant spreads by both spores and rhizomes, so it's safe to assumed it's been sowed by the wind.

I'll be intrigued to see how the shoreline regroups next spring and what surprises are in store.