#12  Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) (right)

The black cherry, or wild cherry, is one of the largest cherry trees, typically growing to 50-80’ tall with a narrow-columnar to rounded crown.  It typically grows in both lowland and upland woods and along streams. This deciduous tree is most noted for its profuse spring blooming.  Their fragrant white flowers in slender pendulous clusters.  The flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small red cherries that ripen in late summer.  The fruit is extremely bitter and is not recommended to eat raw, but makes excellent jam. The glossy green leaves turn shades of yellow and rose in the fall.  Roots and leaves have toxic cyanogenic compounds. 

 

#13  Woodpecker hole (right)

                                       Woodpeckers make holes in                                        trees in order to get food                                        such as insects and beetle                                          larvae (see picture for                                               example). These amazing                                           birds have the ability to                                             stand up vertically on a tree                                        and “hammer” at the tree                                        with their beaks.                                                       Woodpeckers are able to do                                        this because they have two claws that point backwards, allowing them to hang onto a tree. Woodpeckers have stiff tail feathers that give them balance while making holes. They also have little air bubbles in their skull to act as shock absorbers from the constant pounding. Some woodpeckers are able to sense the vibrations of insects moving in trees in order to determine where to make a hole.  After the hole is made, they use their sticky tongues to have their fill of insects from the trees.

 

#14  Fern Fields (left)

Fern fields grow in moist, shady areas.  Ferns absorb moisture from the soil and air and grow primarily in acidic soil, allowing them to dominate in certain habitats.  They grow mostly under tree canopies allowing them to receive enough sunlight to photosynthesize, and yet not lose moisture.  Fern fields provide shelter and habitat for animals such as insects, moths, grouse, snakes, rabbits, and other small, ground-dwelling animals.  (Refer back to site #2 for the common ferns in the Unity area.)

 

 

 

 

#15 White Shelf Fungi (left)

Most of the shelf-like fungi found on these trees are in the Polypore family (see picture for reference).  Many polypore fungi species

have a woody texture

and brownish coloration. 

However, some do appear

in different colorations. 

These fungi have tiny pores

on their undersides instead of

the gills like most mushrooms.

Polypores, like all fungi, break down dead matter such as tree stumps.  The decomposed matter is then used as nutrients for developing plant life—making fungi critical components in an ecosystem.  No polypore is known to be fatally poisonous, but some can cause indigestion. Other species are edible or

have medical importance.

#16  Tree burls (left)

A burl is a knotty growth on the trunk or limb of a tree caused by accelerated cell division at its point of growth. It is usually rounded without any indicators of twigs or limbs. Burls do not harm trees and seem to parallel benign tumors in humans.  Highly susceptible trees include California-Laurel, Northern Red Oak, Black Walnut, Birch, Magnolia, Hard Maple and Yellow-Poplar. Larger burls are usually cut into decorative veneer and used in furniture, wall decorations and as novelties.

 

#17  American Basswood Cluster

This large tree cluster is a type of Linden called American basswood, Tilia americana (see picture of leaves to help identify).  Since its wood is odorless and lightweight it is often used for food packing crates. The tough inner bark of this species was used by Native Americans for making ropes and bandages. Basswood leaves are large and heart-shaped with serrated edges. The small, light yellow flowers are favorites of bees which use the nectar to make high-quality honey. In late summer, the young, small, round fruits can be ground into a paste and used as a chocolate substitute. Young leaves and flowers can also be used to make a tea.

Conner Mill Trail (Sandy Stream)

Trail Map

 

The Connor Mill Trail is indicated by the big arrows. 

 

      Indicates where numbers end.

Connor Mill Trail:

Sandy Stream

Information about the trail:

1 mile built; l mile under construction

Dogs allowed

Trail located off of Route 9/202

Uneven trail with wood chip, natural and bog-bridging surfaces.

Fishing access available

 

 

Markings and trail information done by Unity College, Unity Experience Class, Fall 2004.

Winter 2004

Photo taken by: Cassandra Foster