Trail Journal Issue 28 It must be autumn with the “shorter” days, cooler, drier weather, and a crisp feel in the air. Besides the changes from winter to spring, the change from summer to fall is the most dramatic! This change includes the arrival of some species and the fading or disappearance of others. In the next several journals I am going to describe the trails and their relationship to the seasons. I may not get to each trail each season but each visit will be fairly representative of what is occurring on all of the trails. In my last journal, I discussed a path that was seldom used, the “tail end” of Granite Dome trail. Another under-utilized trail is the paved cart path at Turkey Ridge Park. It is a “spur” or a trail that does not loop back. But in addition to a smooth footpath, it has some spectacular natural sights to see. Loblolly Pines greet you as you began your walk. They drop about one third of their needles each year. They can make your footing slippery, so take care. Covering the banks of the trail, Christmas ferns remain green. Other ferns, such as Northern Maidenhair, Silvery Glade, Bracken, and Lady Fern, will die back until spring. The leaves of the Flowering Dogwoods, Red Maples, Red and Scarlet Oaks will turn various shades of red. Tulip Poplar, all Hickories, American Chestnut, and Sassafras change to yellow. Sweet Gum is a toss-up—their leaves can be yellow, brown, and even violet. Sometimes all even on the same leaf! As the path drops to the stream you may see frogs or salamanders in the water. As the weather cools they, like the ferns, will vanish until spring. The trail continues to the old truck roadbed where the summer wildflowers flourished, but now it is changing into a giant dried arrangement. Sunflower, Coreopsis, Mullein, along with the small tree Smooth Sumac are plentiful here. Before temperatures drop too low, you may be able to find Chinese Mantid (Tenodera aridifolia) or the Carolina Mantid (Stagmomantis Carolina), our State insect. Most of us just call them praying mantis. This area is perfect for the females to lay eggs. Look for one inch brown masses that look like the material that comes from spray foam insulation cans. They make good pets but they are short-lived. I have kept some alive through February but that is rare. Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) will still be blooming but will fade as day length shrinks. It is not the bane of our allergies, but the Annual Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) that grows intermixed with it causes great discomfort. The first frost will kill back all of these flowers. Moving along, you pass over a small bridge that takes you into “still” country. I don’t mean a peaceful area, though it is that. I mean moonshine, “white lightnin’ ” or “mountain dew.” The remnants of an old metal drum, most which have rusted away, can still be seen here. A small nearby stream could have provided the necessary water used to process the ‘shine. Many of us “upcountry folks” have stories or tall tales about friends and family members who might have firsthand experience with this “tonic.” You will find the end of the trail at Placid Park. Simply turn around and you will be surprised how short the walk back will be. You will also find there are many sights you missed by only walking one way. This way you have the best of both views. Lower humidity, fewer bugs, and cooler temperatures make this is a great time to get out and visit your trail system. Things will change fast— I hope to see you out there! Nature-ally yours, |
