Checking the Spring Seep

The ‘Seep’ is where the ground stays wet on the far end of the horse’s field. Since it’s been so dry, I wondered if it had dried up too. Because if that spot is dry, then the creek is going to be completely dry.

On the way to the seep, I did see some water puddles in the creek, so I figured the spring must still be flowing. I also saw beautiful leaf colors and a few Rattlesnake Plantain (actually an orchid, Goodyera pubescens).

A little side-note on the orchid – I just found out that I can propagate these. So that’s on my to-do list! If I’m successful, then I can offer these in my little nursery next year.

Yes! Wet ground and a Soggy Seep

The water comes from a spring that exits beneath a large boulder just outside the fence line.

So when I got to the area where the ground is usually soggy, there was indeed still standing water in the little rivulet that runs through the mud. I could see tracks where all of the local wildlife has been visiting, too.

After that I crossed through the fence to go to the big rock. It was all wet around it, and the water dripping from beneath was a welcome sight. It might not be a heavy flow, but a constant drip drip drip is going a great job of keeping the environment there moist and alive.

There’s more water under the ground there, it’s not all coming from that little every-3-second drop. That’s just some that is running down along the top of the little overhang.

Click here to read more about seeps and how important they are to the environment. Ours isn’t a standalone feature, since the water is getting there from a nearby source, but it serves the same purpose.

I made a video of the seep if you’d like to see: