This week's Ramble Report was written by Don Hunter. Be sure to take a look at Don's Facebook album with photos of today's ramble click here.
(A small selection of Don's photos are imbedded in this blog post.)
Checklists
and Trail Guides for Nature Ramblers
Links
to plant checklists, common lichens and the Purple/Orange trail guide are here:
http://naturerambling.blogspot.com/2013/10/checklists-and-trail-guides.html
Sandy Creek
Nature Center Guided Trail walk:
Tuesday,
Nov. 5, 2013, at 9:00AM Walt Cook will lead a trail walk at the Sandy Creek
Nature Center (not Sandy Creek Park). Walt is one of the original group
of people that started SCNC and this walk should cover some of the history of
the nature center.
Many of the
Nature Ramblers that were on the road by 7:45 a.m. or so this morning were
rewarded with one of the more outstanding sunrises of the year. The sun rose at 7:52 a.m., a brilliant red,
with an opening in the clouds on the far eastern horizon.
As it rose above the horizon, it lit up the entire underside of the
cloud cover, from north to south and west, over our heads. It looked as if the entire sky was on
fire. Avis had the good fortune to have
this spectacle in front of her, in it’s entirety, as she drove over from the
Atlanta area.
Twenty
Ramblers gathered near the arbor and were treated with three readings before we
headed out. Don read, from Walt
Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, the poem “We
Two—How Long We Were Fool’d”.
WE two—how long we were
fool’d!
Now transmuted, we swiftly
escape, as Nature escapes;
We are Nature—long have we
been absent, but now we return;
We become plants, leaves,
foliage, roots, bark;
We are bedded in the
ground—we are rocks;
We are oaks—we grow in the
openings side by side;
We browse—we are two among
the wild herds, spontaneous as any;
We are two fishes swimming
in the sea together;
We are what the locust
blossoms are—we drop scent around the lanes, mornings and evenings;
We are also the coarse
smut of beasts, vegetables, minerals;
We are two predatory
hawks—we soar above, and look down;
We are two resplendent
suns—we it is who balance ourselves, orbic and stellar—we are as two comets;
We prowl fang’d and
four-footed in the woods—we spring on prey;
We are two clouds,
forenoons and afternoons, driving overhead;
We are seas mingling—we
are two of those cheerful waves, rolling over each other, and interwetting each
other;
We are what the atmosphere
is, transparent, receptive, pervious, impervious:
We are snow, rain, cold,
darkness—we are each product and influence of the globe;
We have circled and
circled till we have arrived home again—we two have;
We have voided all but
freedom, and all but our own joy.
Carol performing her stand-up act |
Carol,
channeling Rodney Dangerfield, regaled us with much mirth, with a collection of
superb one-liners from her grand-daughter.
All we needed was someone on a snare drum to punctuate each one-liner as
she rattled off one after the other of some very funny material. (In St. Louis,
where Carol is originally from, it has long been the custom for the children
present something, a dance, recitation, joke, etc., in order to receive the
Halloween treat.):
What does a clock do when it is hungry? It
goes back four seconds.
Broken pencils are pointless.
Broken pencils are pointless.
What do you call a dinosaur with an
extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus.
I tried to catch some Fog. I mist.
I tried to catch some Fog. I mist.
I stayed up all night to see where the sun
went. Then it dawned on me.
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Why did the star hide behind the cloud? It
had to twinkle!
And then
Lili read a quotation from Willa Cather:
I like
trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other
things do.
Today’s
ramble was primarily along the Purple and Orange Trails. We left the Visitor Center parking lot and
headed behind the Visitor Center, through the gardens and onto the Purple Trail. This was followed to the river, where we
turned left on the Orange Trail, took a brief detour up the path to the Heath
Bluff, back down to the Orange Trail, skirting the Beaver Pond and up the stream
to the foot bridge, which we took up the ridge to the lower gardens and back to
the Visitor Center. The focus today was
identifying the different plant communities as we descended the ridge to the
river, visited the Heath Bluff and then made our way, streamside, up the stream
to the foot bridge. Considerations such
as soil moisture, e.g., xeric or dry vs. mesic or damp, and direction faced by
the ridges play major roles in determining which plant communities are found in
different areas of the Botanical Garden property.
Beech leaves |
Soon after
we entered the forest on the Purple Trail, we stopped to observe the different
species of trees and associate these species with the particular plant
community present at that location. We
saw mainly American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba) and Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa), all canopy trees, and Hop
Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), a
sub-canopy tree found growing under the taller/larger trees. Pines were generally absent though several
could be seen, widely scattered across the ridge. The trees that were observed, and their
location, are typical of a mesic Oak-Hickory forest community. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) was present on one of the White Oaks. We learned that the leaf margin of the
American Beech is wavy, like the waves at a beach, providing an easy way to
help identify this tree, though there are probably no trees with which it might
be confused, with it’s generally smooth, spotted silver gray bark and the
beautiful, buttressed root system, particularly on the larger, more mature
trees.
Old and fresh Sapsucker holes in Hophornbeam trunk |
Also at
this location, particular attention was paid to one of the Hop Hornbeams, where
a fresh ring of bark-penetrating holes, created by the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus varius), a woodpecker,
was seen. These holes typically
completely girdle the tree in a more or less horizontal pattern. One of the Hop Hornbeams was densely covered
with scarring from the seemingly relentless attack by the sapsuckers. Although the sapsuckers consume the sap, they
also dine on insects that are drawn to the sap weeping from the open wounds in
the tree. (Sap is poor source of nitrogen, an element essential for making
protein and other important substances in the body.)
As we moved
down the Purple Trail, losing elevation, we noticed several Red Maple (Acer rubrum) leaves in the trail and
quickly found the trees from whence they came.
These leaves have 3-5 palmate lobes with a serrated margin, unlike the
typical “Canadian Maple” leaf shape, which has a smooth margin. The sinuses are
typically narrow, but the leaves can exhibit considerable variation. The petioles are usually red but this is not
a hard and fast diagnostic feature, as they can also be green. Just beyond the Red Maples were several Sweet
Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
saplings and some large Northern Red Oaks, with the “ski slope” bark,
characterized by long ridges and furrows, with the ridge tops sometimes white
or whitish in color. The identification
was based on the bark and the leaf shapes.
The leaves of the Northern Red Oak do not have the narrow waist and bell
shape of the Southern Red Oak tree leaf.
This part of the forest is particularly devoid of wildflowers, compared
to other locations. This is due mainly
to the cover provided by the tall and complete canopy and browsing of deer.
Beech tree; Mold on branch at bottom |
Soon we came
upon a Horse Sugar shrub (Symplocos tinctoria). Despite walking this trail regularly, Hugh
has not observed these shrubs blooming for the past several years, which is
becoming a mystery. Nearby was a smutty,
black spot on the ground beneath the limbs of an American Beech tree, the
result of the molding of the sugary excreta from a colony of Beech Blight
Aphids (Grylloprociphilus imbricator), seen fairly commonly
throughout the forest wherever American Beech trees are found. We also paused here and became silent to hear
hear the faint, scolding "chip" noise of a nearby Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus). This sound is a
warning vocalization that lets trespassers know that the chipmunk is aware of
their presence. It may also serve a territorial function, discouraging other
chipmunks from coming closer. Near the bench at the bend in the trail we saw a
Mockernut Hickory tree, with it’s typical seven to nine leaves. At this point, the ridge became more or less
south facing and we saw a large, double trunked Northern Red Oak and someone
spotted the leaves of several Crane Fly Orchids (Tipularia discolor). With
the flowering stalks long since disappeared, we have begun to see the single
leaves of this plant emerging through the leaf litter at many locations. These will remain through the winter but will
disappear prior to the re-appearance of the flowering stalks by late July or
early August.
Beyond
this, we saw a large Tulip Poplar AKA Tuliptree AKA Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), indicating we
were still in the mesic Oak-Hickory forest community. We also saw more Red Maples and the first Sourwoods
(Oxydendrum arboreum) and noticed
that the trees present on the lower slopes of the ridge were generally smaller
than many of the trees we saw as we began our walk down the trail, although
there were many large trees to be found.
Passing
through the gate, we came upon some small Chalk Maples (Acer leucoderme), which are indicative of the more calcium-rich
soil weathered from the underlying amphibolite-rich gneissic bedrock, which
contains roughly 12 percent calcium.
Most of the Bot Gardens property is underlain by bedrock with a much
lower percentage of calcium, generally around 2 percent calcium and will not
support the growth of Chalk Maples.
Hen-of-the-Woods mushroom |
As we
approached the river, we came upon a
large White Oak tree, at the base of which was a spectacular display of
Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms (Grifola
frondosa) and nearby, there were several Silver Bell shrubs (Halesia carolina), with their bright
yellow foliage, striped bark and reddish-brown seed pods hanging from some of
the higher limbs.
Hearts-a-bustin'-with-love |
As we were turning on
to the Orange Trail at the river, a Strawberry Plant (or Hearts-a-busting) (Euonymus americanus) was seen, with it’s
beautifully colored, orange-red and purple open seed pods.
Here, we
took a left, walking down the river towards the Heath Bluff, and immediately
saw a large Musclewood (Carpinus
caroliniana). Blue Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinum) , which we have
been seeing the last month or so, was also seen along the trail but appears to
be fading fast. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), was seen at the river,
with it’s yellow-green and highly variable
shaped leaves, some heart-shaped, and some shaped like mittens.
At this
point, we, for a brief moment, left the Orange Trail and took the one-way goat
trail up to the Heath Bluff forest community.
Earlier in the spring, we saw numerous Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) blooming here, with
their beautiful white and pink blossoms.
Today we saw only the remaining seed pods on these plants. High up on the bluff we saw a Sand Hickory (Carya pallida) with it’s diamond-shaped
bark pattern and five to seven slender leaves, seen on the limbs found high up
in the tree. Quite a few Sourwood trees,
also found in the Heath Bluff forest community, were seen in the trail between
the Sand Hickory and the Orange Trail, below.
The Beaver Pond |
At the
Orange Trail, we turned right to continue our way upstream along the edge of
the wetlands and the stream feeding it.
The wetland area is referred to as the “Beaver Pond,” which it was ~15
years ago, but is now an engineered feature, with Sakrete bag concrete dams
placed to retain surface water in the large wetlands area. The Beaver Pond also serves to function as a
natural filter, to remove pollution originating at upstream locations, most
notably an old pig farm. As we moved
upstream we saw Duck Potato (Sagittaria
latifolia) and White Turtlehead (Chelone
glabra) seed pods remaining after the blooms, which we saw several weeks
ago, have begun to wither and fall off the plant.
Sensitive Fern |
At the foot
bridge we saw several Sensitive Ferns (Onoclea sensibilis) and a few Common
Greenbrier vines (Smilax rotundifolia). Not far up the trail a Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) was pointed out, as well as
an interesting looking Musclewood tree, with numerous, upward curving
limbs. Even though the bark didn’t have
the typical sinewy appearance, it was
obvious on the limbs, particularly at the point of attachment to the trunk. At another Musclewood, not far away, it was
pointed out that many Musclewood trees will have moss growing on the
trunks. Hop Hornbeams, which may be
confused with Musclewood, does not support the growth of moss on it’s bark.
We also saw
a few Hairy (or Frost) Asters (Symphyotrichum
pilosum), previously known as Aster
pilosus. The plants had solitary,
white blooms with yellow centers growing on vibrant, dark green foliage.
Further up
the trail we saw a Box Elder (Acer
negundo), a type of maple tree. This
was a small example, with bright yellow leaves which strongly resemble Poison
Ivy leaves. We next saw another small Red Mulberry, under
which was seen a Green Ash (Fraxinus
pennsylvanica) sapling.
Colluvial floodplain |
A patch of
Cutleaf (or Green Headed) Coneflower (Rudbeckia
laciniata) was seen along the stream but it has about played out for the
fall, with very few complete flowers seen.
This area along the creek can be described as alluvial or co-luvial
flats and is a narrow floodplain comprised of topsoil that has been eroded from
the tops and slopes of the ridge. Being
comprised of topsoil, the material is particularly rich in nutrients. For this reason, the area along the stream
supports the greatest numbers and species of wildflowers of any area within the
Botanical Gardens property.
Round lobed hepatica |
Prior to
reaching the footbridge across the stream, we stopped and enjoyed an
interesting Red Mulberry tree. It was
growing from the right side of the stream but, over time, had leaned out and
over the stream and appeared to be rooted into the
opposite bank. There was some discussion
as to whether this tree was a Basswood tree or a Mulberry but the consensus was
that it was a Red Mulberry. At this
location we also saw several clumps of Round Lobed Hepatica which will be
blooming next spring.
After
viewing the Red Mulberry and Round Lobed Hepatica, we crossed over the foot
bridge to make our way back up the ridge towards the gardens and Visitor
Center. On the way up the ridge, a large
colony of Beech Blight aphids was seen on some low limbs of an American Beech
tree. These were quite active, doing
their usual display of booty shaking whenever the limb was disturbed. At the
bridge into the formal garden we stopped to look at a Black Willow (Salix nigra).
This
concluded the ramble and it was time for everyone to retire to Dondero’s to
enjoy some refreshments and great conversation.
SPECIES SEEN OR ENCOUNTERED ON THE RAMBLE
Flora
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
White Oak (Quercus
alba),
Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa)
Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Horse Sugar shrub (Symplocos tinctoria)
Crane Fly Orchids (Tipularia discolor)
Tulip Poplar AKA Tulip Tree AKA
Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Sourwoods (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Chalk Maple (Acer leucoderme)
Hen-of-the-woods mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Silver Bell shrub (Halesia carolina
Strawberry Plant (or
Hearts-a-busting) (Euonymus americanus)
Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana)
Blue Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Sand Hickory (Carya pallida)
Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)
White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Sensitive Ferns (Onoclea sensibilis)
Greenbrier vines (Smilax rotundifolia)
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata)
Hairy Asters (or Frost Asters) (Symphyotrichum pilosum, previously Aster pilosus)
Box Elder (Acer negundo)
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
Cutleaf (or Green Headed) Coneflower
(Rudbeckia laciniata)
Black willow (Salix nigra)
Fauna
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Yellow Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Beech Blight Aphids (Grylloprociphilus imbricator)