July is when Doughton Park becomes quite colorful. The stunning Blazing Star and Lanceleaf Coreopsis dominate the meadows. The park service has mowed walkways through some of the meadow so you can get upclose and personal with the flowers and their pollinators.
Ants like Milkweed too. This one had ants on every leaf. It is not the Milkweed they want. It is the honeydew secreted by an aphid attracted to the Milkweed. The ants move or herd the aphids around, poking them with their antennae so they'll give up some of that sweet honeydew they want. They will even defend the aphids against preditors.
During my visit, I parked in the overflow parking area by the Bluffs Restaurant. In the forest behind the parking area is the crumbling infastructure of a former picnic area. Stone picnic tables dot the area. Stone water fountains are stationed throughout.
Here is what remains of the picnic restroom slowly succumbing to nature.
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