Canadian Nature x 2: Yukon

Starting in September, this will be a monthly ATC swap involving Canadian animals, flowers and birds. 1 ATC for 1 partner.

I choose Yukon for the first ATC series about Canada (I always want to say THE Yukon, but I never say THE Alberta :)

Make art representing both the bird and the flower on one ATC.

The Official Bird

The raven was adopted as Yukon's official bird in 1985.

The raven is seen everywhere in Yukon. It is a very intelligent bird and an opportunistic feeder, feasting on everything from carrion to groceries left in the back of pick-up trucks.

The raven is the largest member of the crow family and has a body length of up to 70 centimetres.

The raven is called "Crow" by Yukon First Nations people and is the subject of many stories passed from generation to generation.

The Official Flower

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) was chosen as Yukon's floral emblem in 1957.

It is a hardy plant and grows along Yukon roadsides, river bars and clearings from mid-July to September.

Its blooms are a bright magenta, making it one of the most attractive plants in the North. It’s also one of the first plants to appear after a forest fire.

Extra Tidbit

The sub-alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) was selected as Yukon’s official tree in 2001.

The sub-alpine fir can range from 6 to 20 metres tall and is found in the regions south of Dawson City and east of Haines Junction.

It usually grows at higher elevations. Its short, stiff branches slope downward, which allow it to withstand heavy loads of snow and ice in the high country.

The needles of sub-alpine fir produce a lemony-tasting tea, which is a traditional First Nations cold remedy rich in vitamin C. Sap drawn from the blisters on its bark has been used by First Nation people as a traditional medicine for lung ailments.

If you want to, go ahead and include the tree as part of your ATC, but it is NOT a part of the swap requirement.

Collage, paint, draw - it's up to you. Have fun and make something you really wish you didn't have to send. I'm starting this series in September, so you don't have any excuse to wait - not profile based one bit!

I have an idea for a grand finale, so hope you play along!