#streamside

[whereifindsanity]

[missedmilemarkers]

Nature's serenity captured in this peaceful mountain scene. The clear stream runs gently at the foot of the lush hillside, framed by a beautiful forest. A perfect spot to reflect and reconnect with the earth's tranquility.

[inspirehorizon]

Shimmering Reflections Along the Rocky Banks

[forestduck]

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with this captivating image of a stream flowing through a serene forest. The ro...

[bunabi]

just realized I can use my old PC instead of my much much older laptop to stream from my capture card lol

watch this space late tomorrow night ok

[viaolivia]

The sky an endless source of inspiration.

[ereh-emanresu-tresni]

[ultimatenightcore]

Concrete Pavers - Front Yard

Inspiration for a medium-sized, contemporary, concrete-paved front yard.

[reasonsforhope]

"A new study reveals the profound ecological effects of wolves and other large carnivores in Yellowstone National Park, showcasing the cascading effects predators can have on ecosystems. In Yellowstone, this involves wolves and other large carnivores, elk, and willows.

The research, which utilized previously published data from 25 riparian (streamside) sites and collected over a 20 year period, from 2001 to 2020, revealed a remarkable 1,500% increase in willow crown volume along riparian zones [note: riparian means in/around rivers] in northern Yellowstone National Park, driven by the effects on elk due to a restored large carnivore guild following the reintroduction of wolves in 1995–96, and other factors...

Pictured: Upstream view of Blacktail Deer Creek in 2005 and 2021, northern range of Yellowstone National Park.

Trophic cascades, the effects of predators on herbivores and plants, have long been a topic of ecological interest. The study quantifies the strength of this phenomenon for the first time using willow crown volume as a proxy for aboveground biomass, demonstrating a significant three-dimensional recovery of riparian vegetation represented by the growth in both crown area and height of established willows.

The strength of the Yellowstone trophic cascade observed in this study surpasses 82% of strengths presented in a synthesis of global trophic cascade studies, underscoring the strength of Yellowstone's willow recovery process. The authors note that there is considerable variability in the degree of recovery and not all sites are recovering.

Even though riparian areas in the western United States comprise a small portion of the landscape, the study has particular relevance since these areas provide important food resources and habitat for more wildlife species than any other habitat type. These areas also connect upland and aquatic ecosystems and are widely known for their high diversity in species composition, structure, and productivity.

"Our findings emphasize the power of predators as ecosystem architects," said William Ripple. "The restoration of wolves and other large predators has transformed parts of Yellowstone, benefiting not only willows but other woody species such as aspen, alder, and berry-producing shrubs. It's a compelling reminder of how predators, prey, and plants are interconnected in nature."

Pictured: An across channel view in 2005 and 2021 of a downstream reach on Blacktail Deer Creek, northern range of Yellowstone National Park.

Wolves were eradicated and cougars driven to low numbers from Yellowstone National Park by the 1920s. Browsing by elk soon increased, severely damaging the park's woody vegetation, especially in riparian areas. Similar effects were seen in places like Olympic National Park in Washington, and Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada after wolves were lost.

While it's well understood that removing predators can harm ecosystems, less is known about how strongly woody plants and ecosystems recover when predators are restored. Yellowstone offers a rare opportunity to study this effect since few studies worldwide have quantified how much plant life rebounds after large carnivores are restored.

"Our analysis of a long-term data set simply confirmed that ecosystem recovery takes time. In the early years of this trophic cascade, plants were only beginning to grow taller after decades of suppression by elk. But the strength of this recovery, as shown by the dramatic increases in willow crown volume, became increasingly apparent in subsequent years," said Dr. Robert Beschta, an emeritus professor at Oregon State University.

"These improving conditions have created vital habitats for birds and other species, while also enhancing other stream-side conditions."

The research points to the utility of using crown volume of stream-side shrubs as a key metric for evaluating trophic cascade strength, potentially advancing methods for riparian studies in other locations. It also contextualizes the value of predator restoration in fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience."

-via Phys.org, February 6, 2025

[riverwindphotography]

Streamside Serenity

(c) riverwindphotography, October 2024

[herpsandbirds]

Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri), family Ambystomatidae, northern KY, USA

photograph by John P. Clare

[whereifindsanity]

[missedmilemarkers]

[jbsummerexchange]

Jamie and Brienne fandom, it’s back! The JB Fic Exchange is slathering on the sunscreen and airing out those bikinis! This time wrangled by Ambitious and winterstale24, our theme is Summer Loving/Loving Summer. Because it’s the season of sun-dappled mornings and lazy afternoons, guidelines are relaxed as a glass of lemonade on the deck of your favorite beach cottage.

We want all the fic! Please share far and wide to every JB writer you know!

Here’s the details:

The sign-up sheet will be available from May 18 – 24, 2025.

Send three prompts for your giftee. To keep things as seasonal as a ladybug skittering up a daisy, one prompt should focus on a location or environment that speaks summer to you. Could it be the bluer-than-blue waters of Tarth? A windswept vista overlooking the battlements at Casterly Rock and the Summer Sea beyond? A sunny hillside dotted with loads of wildflowers and sleepy-limbed trees? Could it be a mossy streamside near Winterfell during the warmest afternoon the North has seen in years? Just plonk our dear, darling dumbasses in a setting as specific or general as you like and see where your gifter takes the words!

Make sure you include your squicks and shudders.

Specify your writing and reading preferences for canon, AU, modern, etc.

Specify your preferred heat-level e.g. Mature, Explicit, All Readers for both reading and writing.

Your giftee and their prompts will be delivered to you on May 31, 2025. Have an icy beverage of your choice at hand and get to writing! All you need is 1k words, but overachievers are always encouraged to word until they can word no more.

The Summer exchange beach cottage doors will open on June 21, 2025 and stay open until July 27, 2025.

Questions? Comments? Favorite Mojito recipes? Contact us at jbsummerexchange@gmail.com

[forestduck]

Experience the beauty of a stream running through a lush forest in the Great Smoky Mountains. Surround yourself with gre...

[the-hills-of-tanchico]

Once, three days after setting out, Moiraine joined them, stretching herself out on the streamside and undoing rows of pearl buttons to roll up her sleeves as she asked how the thing was done. Perrin exchanged surprised looks with Loial. The Ogier shrugged. "It is not that hard, really," Perrin told her. "Just bring your hand up from behind the fish, and underneath, as if you're trying to tickle its belly. Then you pull it out. It takes practice, though. You might not catch anything the first few times you try." "I tried for days before I ever caught anything," Loial added. He was already easing his huge hands into the water, careful to keep his shadow from scaring the fish. "As difficult as that?" Moiraine murmured. Her hands slipped into the water—and a moment later came out with a splash, holding a fat trout that thrashed the surface. She laughed with delight as she tossed it up onto the bank. (TDR, ch. 7)

So committed to concealing her alliance with the Amyrlin Seat that she'll even pretend never to have attended Fishing 101. Oh, the diabolical cunning of these Aes Sedai and their fingers.