IT IS CRUNCH TIME!
LEAVES HAVE FALLEN!
The fall is a great time to take a walk in the woods: the air is cool & clear so much easier to breathe deeply.
On a hike on Donato’s Trail in East Lee (10/30/22), the woods were so still you could hear the leaves falling from the treetops.
The trail was covered with layers of fallen leaves of oak & beech. Sometimes you might find acorns & beechnuts. Trees develop nuts in cycles and when there is an abundance, it is called a good ‘mast’ year. That would be good for the wildlife and if nut amounts are low, the winter will be harder for wildlife.
After you’ve hiked the switchbacks on the steep sections, you’ll be on the hilltop or ridge. Here is where you’ll seen a difference in the look & feel of the woods. This area is dominated by hemlocks which make a cool & darker wood.
Hiking through this area will lead you to the area which has the Mountain Laurel. These shrubs are evergreen & have spreading horizontal branches. Their flowers will begin blooming in, depending on the weather, in June.
Since the deciduous trees in this area have lost their leaves, you could see the glistening waters of Lower Goose Pond as you look over the Mountain Laurel. And across the pond area, you’ll see another ridgeline. This is the high point at about 1735 feet. Enjoy looking up!
As you move along the trail you may notice, at ground level, small glossy dark green leaves of an evergreen groundcover plant called: Wintergreen. Follow the stems & you’ll see some bright red berries below the leaves which birds & small mammals will enjoy.
You should watch your step & looking down, you will notice ANOTHER, groundcover with dark green leaves. BUT these leaves are smaller and rounder with a light green line in the center. This evergreen is the Partridgeberry which has tiny red berries too. And guess who might like eating these-partridges!
The Mountain Laurel, Wintergreen and Partridgeberry all like growing in the same environment. When you travel the woods and you notice one of these, you might look around and spot one of the other plants.
Going up the trail might be slower but it gives you a chance to stop & look around. Coming down the trail, don’t rush as you get a different perspective of the same trail.
Caution Note: with all the leaves down, it is harder to see the trail. Leaves can be slippery when they’re dry or wet, so tread slowly & use a hiking stick for balance.
Remember to dress for the weather and leave no trace-you’ve been visiting someone’s ‘home’! Happy Trails, Linda