Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge- Monarda Population

As a lover of nature, botany/chemistry major and iNaturalist enthusiast, I spend a great deal of my free time recording observations. One of my favorite spots I frequent is Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

So, when the opportunity to participate in research regarding monarda thymol content was proposed, I knew exactly where to find Monarda Citriodora (Lemon Beebalm) specimens at Hagerman. However, I knew from working with them on previous research specimen collection that I would first have to obtain a special use permit. That was the easy part. I had permission that same day.

Currently, Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is flooded with limited access to many observation areas. One of those areas is the auto tour route and the location of the Monarda population I observed last year. Typically, lemon beebalm lines the sides of the main road of the auto tour route now underwater. However, I was persistent and prevailed.

I located one small population on the other side of the road flooded in the picture above.

And then two more large populations as I drove toward the picnic area further down the road.

This was a good day. Now, I just have to wait until its time for specimen collection.