Yesterday we walked through Koogler Wetland/Prairie, and then checked out another section of park nearby.  We were treated to a dazzling show of asters, goldenrod (Solidago spp.), orange and yellow jewelweed, all the golden sun/cone flowers, deep purple ironweed, and some unusual, colorful prairie plants, berries, and grasses.  We watched a long gray water snake swim lazily down the fish-filled stream where tiny frogs kept jumping in.  I spotted what almost had to be some wild hops vining through the trees!  And at the second park, we found the motherlode of monarchs feasting on purple ironweed.  If you look closely, you’ll see some in part 2.  I’m dividing this into two posts.