Here are a couple of pictures from our paddle today.
Floating Leaf Stage:
The rice is well established in floating leaf stage. Long green ribbons lay on the surface of the water absorbing the heat of the sun during these long, hot summer days. The sun's energy travels down and creates root mass. The floating leaf provides shade and shelter for fish while moderating the water temperature and protecting us all from global warming.
Emergent Stage:
In Emergent Stage some leaves on the Manoomin plants begin to get strong enough to stand up in the air. Looking at a thick patch from a distance you can see why Manoomin is called zizania aquatica (water grass) in Latin.