Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a short, easy hike taking in the fall beauty of two New Woodstock - Erieville area wooded trails as they learn to identify some 20 species of trees and shrubs common to classic northern forests. That opportunity comes Sunday, November 8, on a Tree Identification Hike that is open to the public.
The 1.5-mile hike will be guided by students from a Field Botany class from Cazenovia College under the direction of Professor Thad Yorks, program director for the College’s Biology and Environmental Biology programs. Participants will explore a wooded section where the Link Trail overlaps the North Country Trail in the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area and will identify both evergreen and deciduous tree species that they see along the way. Yorks said hikers can expect to view and learn about species such as sugar maple, red maple, white ash, yellow birch, black cherry, hemlock, red oak, jack pine and butternut. Different and unique features, such as leaves, twigs, and bark, will be used to make identifications.
The event begins at 2 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot on Damon Road, between New Woodstock and Erieville where the Link Trail crosses, located 2.4 miles east of Route 13 there.
Masks/face-coverings will be worn by everyone during the entire event, hand-sanitizer will be available, and social distancing protocols will be observed. Participants are also asked to dress appropriately for the weather, including hiking footwear and/or rubber boots if needed.
Anyone with questions is welcome to contact Yorks at Cazenovia College, at teyorks@cazenovia.edu or (315) 655-7148.