I visited Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park for the first time, this father's day with my dad and little brother. It was a struggle getting my little brother to go along, but I think that he might have actually enjoyed the forest. I handed my camera over to him while we wandered a trail, and he was able to explore. I certainly enjoyed having him around, and I am sure my dad did as well. I hope that he will learn respect and wonder for the forests and lands that he encounters.

There's also a fire tower at this park, which we climbed. The view of the oak and maple tree tops is beautiful, and the feeling of being in a fire tower was very nostalgic and reminiscent of late last summer. I will have to write down my experience spending the night in a Cloquet tower last summer. I will never forget the feel of the free wind above the treetops, whether it coasts past maple leaves or thin pine needles. The state park is very near to Rum River* State Forest. We walked a trail that led to the riverside, and it is a truly beautiful area. I hope to return. 

*The Rum River should be known instead as the Spirit River. 'Rum' is a European misinterpretation of Dakota.

I've been growing some Mimosa pudica seedlings for the past two weeks. I worked with them in my Plant Physiology course, and so I couldn't help but order a packet of seeds and plant my own. If you've never heard of the mimosa plant, you might know it's more common name -- the touch sensitive plant. Even when it is a few days old, its first leaves are able to move when stimulated by touch. When I planted these with my lab group, we only soaked the seeds for 24 hours before planting, and so we had a low germination rate. I've since learned that it is best to bring water to a boil, then place the seeds in the boiling water and let this sit (as it cools to room temp) for 24-36 hours. I had a much more successful germination rate (at least 80%), using this method. Even more exciting, the seeds began to germinate in the water after 24 hours. They are growing relatively quickly now, and all have their first set of true leaves (and of course, can move!). There are presently about 6 seedlings, and I'm excited to watch them grow!

I also realized recently that I've always known the Japanese word for this lovely plant -- I just never put two and two together! The shy or bashful plant (含羞草/おじぎそう). Ojigi also means 'bowing; bow', although that meaning uses different kanji.