Field Guide

FIELD GUIDE a transect from the outer coastal plain to the ridge and valley province

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Contents Outer Coastal Plain | The Pine Barrens

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Inner Coastal Plain | Mt. Holly

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The Fall Line | Shoemaker Green

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The Fall Line | The BioPond

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Piedmont Uplands | The Upper Roxborough Reservoir

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Piedmont Uplands | Nottingham County Park

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New England Province | Mariton Sanctuary

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Ridge + Valley Province | Hawk Mountain

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Pine Barrens New Jersey

Outer Coastal Plain

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Figure 3: Field sketch of the pine oak forest

9.12.2017 Nature as Recreation

On Tuesday September 12, we visited the Pine Barrens in NJ specifically to visit Batsto Village and to Kayak along the Wading River. The Pine Barrens is within the Outer Coastal Plain. Here, we would see the difference in vegetation between the high and dry and low and wet areas, although both contain very sandy, quartz and acidic soils. Additionally, we could observe the interesting and significant role that fire has played in the Pine Barrens through the ratio of pine and oak trees. Between the historic Batsto Village and the different stops along the Wading River, we would also consider the history of these spaces and how that has affected the environment.

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Batsto Village

The first stop of the day was a quick visit to the Batsto Village; a former bog iron and glass making town in the Wharton State Forest. This stop was particularly interesting for me because I had previously spent time studying the ghost towns and former industrial towns within the Pine Barrens. We first headed to the visitor center with a museum about Batsto and the Pine Barrens. Here, I was able to capture a quick overview of the plants and animal species in the Pine Barrens including Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), Quercus stellata (post oak), Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry), Pinus rigida (pitch pine), Quercus velutina (black oak), Sarracenia purpurea (pitcher plant), Narthecium ossifragum (bogasphodel), Chamaecyparis thyoides

(Atlantic White Cedar), Vaccinium macrocarpon (red cranberry), Acer rubrum (red maple) and Vaccinium corymbosum (high bush blueberry).

I also appreciated the historic relics of the museum including the most elaborate winter jacket that I have ever seen. After leaving the museum, we took a quick walk to see an old bog iron boat, bog ore and then made our way to the Batsto Lake.

During that short walk, we saw a variety of trees including Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree), Juglans nigra (black walnut), Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), Celtis occidentalis (hackberry), northern white cedar, Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Ilex opaca (American holly) and a Cornus florida (flowering dogwood) near the Batsto Mansion. This particular variety of trees in such

a short distance really made the atmosphere quite stunning. The view at Batsto Lake was captivating, but what really caught my attention was the dam that included a fish ladder. This was something that I have ever heard of or seen before.

Mick's Kayaking + Wading River

After a short time spent at Batsto, we headed to the second destination; Mick’s Kayaking rentals where we would kayak down the Wading River. As an unexperienced kayaker, I severely underestimated what was to come. The first leg of the trip felt like a pin ball machine.

Faye and I bounced from obstacle to obstacle and hit a ton of different trees and mosses; most likely the ones that I had just read about at the Batsto Village museum. I recognized the various pine and oak trees. As we paddled along, I was surprised how quickly I had been captivated with the river and the atmosphere, especially the reddish brown cool water and the canopy of trees and bright mosses. When we were not crashing into something, I really enjoyed seeing how the old fallen trees formed arches or underpasses for us to paddle through. The underpasses and twists and turns of the river seemed to break up the otherwise monotonous environment that I had been anticipating.

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

Pine-Oak Forest

After an exhausting first segment of the river, we stopped to see an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in the low and wet area of the Pinelands.

As we left our Kayaks and walked up the river bank and into the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, we passed quite a thick shrub layer.

Here we walked through Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepper bush), Aronia arbutifolia (red chokeberry), Leucothoe racemosa (fetter bush), Ilex glabra (ink berry) and Vaccinium corymbosu (highbush blueberry).

I was immediately stunned by the canopy of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar), Red Maple and Acer rubrum var. trilobum (Trident Red Maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Sour gum) and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet gum) pierced the sky and formed what I estimated to be at least a 40 foot canopy.

Every point within the sight had an amazing view.

We then headed back to the river to continue our kayaking journey and head to our second stop along the river; the Pine-Oak Forest, located at a high and dry elevation of the Pine Barrens. Here the current was particularly strong and Faye and I just about were able to stop our Kayak. After a little struggle, we climbed up a relatively steep and sandy incline to the Pine Oak Forest. Here we took a break for lunch and admired the view of the red waters and vegetation. After lunch, we observed the upland area of the Pine Oak Forest. It consisted of a 40’ canopy or more of Pinus echinata (short leaf pine) and Pinus rigida (pitch pine). Quercus marilandica (Blackjack oak) made up the subcanopy and there was a dense and continuous shrub layer made up of Vaccinium pallidum (lowbush blueberry) and Gaylussacia baccata (black huckleberry) ; both a good environment for ticks.

We then walked through the mucky soils to select a place to sketch.

During the first sketch, we focused on the bottom of the tree trunk and how it hits the ground. I found the mucky soil to be particularly interesting and challenging to sketch. From the ground, the canopy was overwhelming.

On the ground we saw false reindeer lichen, Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge) and Polygonella articulata (joint weed). Within the quartz sand an observant classmate spotted a pitfall trap of the doodle bug.

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After exploring the high and dry Pine- Oak Forest, we did our second sketch of a single tree or plant. I decided to challenge myself even more and draw a particularly ugly blackjack oak. After a much needed long rest and drawing session, we hopped backed into the kayaks for the final stretch of the river.

Route to Beaver Branch

The final stretch was the most challenging. Maybe it was because we were exhausted, but I also felt that the current was becoming stronger and the turns were becoming sharper. During this part of the trip, Faye and I took several tiny breaks to rest for a moment and to take in the surrounding environment. When we weren’t apologizing for hitting each other’s paddle, we were talking about how pretty the river was and the environment and had attempted to name a tree or two. At the end of the trip, we docked the kayaks at Beaver Branch and headed back for the day.

Final Thoughts

The Pine Barrens demonstrated the mystic qualities that nature has, most especially within the landscapes of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp and the Pine-Oak 8

Forest. Through the act of kayaking, it also demonstrated the impacts of frustration, control and exhaustion it can leave on someone. At the end of the day, although I was exhausted, I was happy to have spent the beautiful afternoon in a kayak and not stuck in studio.

Image 5: Pine Oak Forest + Wading River at the Pine Barrens

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Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain Trees

American Holly Ilex opaca

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Atlantic White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides

Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia

Native

Native

Native

Description: stiff leathery alternate leaves, dense branches, smooth gray bark, pyramid shape, bright red fruits

Description: evergreen, paired scaly leaves with sharp points, rounded cones

Description: dark reddish - brown deeply furrowed bark, alternate branching pattern, dull oval compound leaves, white flowers

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Typical Height: 40’ - 60’

Typical Height: 40’ - 100’

Growing Conditions: adapted to a wide range of soils; prefers well drained sandy soils; direct sun

Growing Conditions: acidic, wet, lowland sites, fresh water swamps, bogs

Growing Conditions: deep, well drained, limestone

Black Oak Quercus velutina

Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica

Black Walnut Juglans nigra

Native

Native

Native

Description: moderately lobed glossy leaves, dark blocky ridged block, acorns

Description: thick leathery shallow lobed leaves, dark squarish blocked bark, hairy twigs

Description: deciduous alternate and compound leave, short wide spreading crown, grayish brown deeply furrowed bark, large round fruit

Typical Height: 70’ - 80’

Typical Height: 40’ - 50’

Typical Height: 70’ - 80’

Growing Conditions: well drained, slightly acidic, dry soils

Growing Conditions: dry barren soils

Growing Conditions: deep, well drained, neutral soils

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Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain Trees

Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana

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Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

Northern White Cedar Thuja occidentalis

Native

Native

Native

Description: opposite scaly leaves, reddish brown thin bark, evergreen, pyramid shape, pale blue fruits, cones

Description: opposite leaves 3 to 6 inches long, deep ridged bark, scarlet red fruit clusters, flowers

Description: evergreen scaled pointed leaves, pyramid crown, gray or reddish brown thick ridged bark, acorns

Typical Height: 10’ - 40’

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 45’

Growing Conditions: limestone derived soils, acidic sand, dry soils, salt tolerant

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Pitch Pine Pinus rigida

Post Oak Quercus stellata

Red Maple Acer rubrum

Native

Native

Native

Description: 2” - 5” course stiff needles in clusters of 3, acorns

Description: gray or brown leathery lobed leaves, hairy twigs, brown bark with cracks, acorns

Description: wide range, adapted to most soil and site conditions, brilliant red color in fall, flowers early in spring

Typical Height: 40’ - 60’

Typical Height: 50’ - 60’

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Growing Conditions: dry, sandy soils

Growing Conditions: dry soils

Growing Conditions: adapted to wet sites, forested wetlands, drained moist soils, upland

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Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain Trees

Short Leaf Pine Pinus echinata

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Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua

Native

Native

Native

Description: 5” - 10” needles in groups of 2 or 3, pine cones

Description: dense foliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathery leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Description: alternate simple leaves with 5 - 7 lobes, symmetrical cone shaped crown, grayish brown bark with deep narrow ridges

Typical Height: 90’ - 100’

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 60’ - 75’

Growing Conditions: dry soils

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Growing Conditions: rich, moist, moderately coarse to fine, well drained, slightly acidic soils; bottom-land areas

Trident Red Maple

Tulip Tree

Acer rubrum var. trilobum

Liriodendron tulipifera

Native

Native

Description: distinct 3 lobed leaves, brown flaky bark, flowers small yellow- green flowers in clusters

Description: smooth tulip shaped alternate simple leaves, light green-yellow flowers, thick bark with interlacing furrows and narrow ridges

Typical Height: 20’ - 35’

Typical Height: 20’ - 35’

Growing Conditions: acidic, well drained soil, tolerates urban conditions

Growing Conditions: acidic, well drained soil, tolerates urban conditions

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Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain Shrubs

Black Huckleberry Gaylussacia baccata

High Bush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum

Sweet Pepper Bush Clethra alnifolia

(Right) Figure 4: Field sketch of the Atlantic White Cedar swamp

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Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain Ground

False Reindeer Lichen Cladonia portentosa

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Joint Weed Polygonella articulata

Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica

Image 6: Pine Oak Forest at the Pine Barrens

Pine Barrens | New Jersey | Outer Coastal Plain | Ghost Towns Mapping

Remnants

Now under legislative protection as a National Reserve, the unique forests that comprise the Pine Barrens of Southern-Central New Jersey were once known for supporting a host of booming industries. The unique geological character of this coastal plain provided particular opportunity for producers of lumber, paper, glass, iron, and munitions, whose easy access to iron-rich, palustrine soil, fine sand, and heavy forestation as well as navigable waterways allowed them to turn hefty profits throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Mining and the creation of quarries also supported these industries. The proliferation of industry during this time quickly led to the development of settlements, first built to house laborers, many 20

of which later blossomed into small towns. Unfortunately, the discovery of higher-quality iron elsewhere, specifically in Pennsylvania, as well as the general migration of industry to cities around the turn of the 20th century forced many of these manufacturers out of business. Those settlements which were unable to convert to agricultural production were left bereft and abandoned, as “Ghost Towns� destined to decay into the mysterious structures that litter the forest floor today. The quarries were also abandoned over time, as mining industry in the area became less profitable. This map illustrates the relationship these spaces once had with the geology that made their existence possible while invoking the ghostly character inherited by the forest which a visitor might experience today.

ghost towns abandoned quarries surface geology: Qca colluvium and alluvium

surface geology: Qs swamp deposits

surface geology: Qcm

Cape May Formation undivided

surface geology: Tbr Bridgeton Formation

Remnants is a collaboration with Chris Feinman, Sarah Harmon + Camila Azalea Rivera

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Mt. Holly New Jersey

Inner Coastal Plain

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Figure 5: Field sketch of Mt. Holly

9.26.2017 Different Species, Same Elevation

On Tuesday September 26, we visited Mt. Holly, New Jersey to visit Mt. Holly and the Rancocas Nature Center. Mt. Holly is located within the Inner Coastal Plain. Here, we would identify plant communities within the Kirkwood Formation at Mt. Holly and within the Marshalltown Formation within the Rancocas Nature Center. We would also stop at the Friends Meeting House to see the slate and brick materials that were used to construct the building.

Mt. Holly; The Mount Park Forest

The first stop of the day was to Mt Holly; a quaint little town that appeared to be frozen in time. It was especially interesting to see how 24

many of the houses and buildings were built with local materials.

Once in town, the bus dropped us off at The Mount Park Forest.

Here, we departed on a small hike where we learned about a restoration project where goats were used to control and eliminate the invasive Hedera helix (English Ivy) through grazing. We then proceeded up a pretty steep incline to the top of the peak. While walking, I noticed that the ground cover was full of different leaves and organic materials. Once we reached the top, we broke out in groups to identify the different trees within the canopy.

This was quite challenging, but I was able to put my field guide to good use and successfully identify a flowering dogwood tree in the sub canopy. After spending twenty minutes or so identifying tree and plant species, we gathered

as a class to share what we had found. Collectively, we identified Quercus alba (white oak), Carya tomentosa (mockey nut hickory), Carya glare (pignut hickory), Fagus grandifolia (American beech) and Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak) in the canopy which we estimated to be somewhere between 80 to 100 feet.

Within the subcanopy, we identified Betula nigra (river birch), Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Nyssa sylvatica (sourgum), Sassafras albidum (sassafras) and Cornus florida (flowering dog wood).

In the shrub layer, we identified Prunus serotina (black cherry), Fraxinus americana (white ash), Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry), Magnolia tripetala (umbrella magnolia), Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive), Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) and

Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum).

Within the ground cover layer, we identified Deschampsia cespitosa (hair grass), Chimaphila maculata (striped evergreen) and were poked many times by Smilax rotundifolia (greenbriar). Together, this formed a plant community somewhere between a mixed oak and beech oak forest. From the top of the peak, we noticed that the south slope was more open; potentially a result from southern storms and the north side was much denser with vegetation.

This type of plant community consisted of many, many species, and it was interesting to learn and identify specifies that we have not seen so far in our field trips.

After identifying the different trees and plants, we paused to do our first drawing where we attempted to capture the tall canopy and foliage.

After drawing, Sally taught us about the type of soil at Mt. Holly.

She was only able to dig down 6 inches into the rocky soil. This depth informed us that the soil is shallow and dry from its thinness.

We further investigated the soil by breaking it down into its layers. The O layer, organic layer, consisted of mainly oak leaves. The Oe layer, organic matter and decomposed matter, was about one inch think.

The A layer, a mix of organic and sandy material, was also about one

inch thick. Last, the B horizon layer, sandy loam texture, was about 3 inches thick. From this, we were able to determine the chroma of the soil is 4”, which means that it is well drained. We used Sally’s soil guide / chart, to determine the proper soil color name. Layer B is dark reddish brown. This is most likely because of the amount of iron in the soil.

was agricultural land and a network of ditches. We first stopped here to have our lunch and visit the nature center. I was especially interested in the animals living in the nature center, including the giant turtles; which I contemplated trying to rescue from its small cage. After lunch, our first stop was at the dragon fly pond.

Friends Meeting House

Proceeding the dragon fly pond, we went to the meadow that we categorized as an “old field” community. This community is maintained and cleared through mowing. Within the “old field”, we observed a lot of small Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum) mixed in with Solidago rugosa (wrinkled leaf goldenrod), Solidago canadensis (canada goldenrod), Diospyros virginiana (persimmon), dog barre, purple top grass, Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle), black cherry, Eupatorium serotinum (late flowering through wort) and a large Platanus occidentalis (sycamore). Living within these plants were bees, skippers and butterflies. We took some time here to do a second drawing; a close up of a plant of our choice.

After plant identification and soil determination, we walked back down the small slope of Mt. Holly and proceed to the Friends Meeting House. Here, Lindsay gave us an interesting lecture and lesson on building material. As someone with an architecture background, I found it fascinating to see the different material layers of the building and the different brick formations including slate.

Rancocas Nature Center

Our third stop of the day was to the Rancocas Nature Center, which is west of Mt. Holly. Here we were at 40 feet above elevation in the Marshalltown formation. The purpose of this visit was to observe the change in time and different plant communities across a very flat elevation. Prior to being the Rancocas Nature Center, the area

After drawing, we did a second soil identification exercise. After Sally dug up some soil, we were able to 25

see a very thin Oi layer of about one eighth inch, a three-inch A layer, and a less than one inch B fine sandy loam layer. Using the Munsell color chart, we determined that the B layer is “Olive brown�, most likely from the glauconite materials in the soil.

We continued into the sweet gum successional forest. In the canopy, we saw Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar) and Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum). There was not much of a sub canopy, but in the shrub and herbaceous layers, we saw black raspberry and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) and Laportea canadensis (wood nettle.)

As we went further into the forest, the sweet gum canopy grew taller and the atmosphere was taller and darker and cooler. There was no sub canopy or shrub layer except for a few scattered Berberis thunbergii (japanese barberry) and Dryopteris (wood fern). Further into the forest, we stopped at the sixty year old plantation to do our third drawing. The atmosphere here was overwhelming and dramatically different from the "old field." Pinus strobus (White pine), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum) and Picea abies ( Norway spruce) pierced the 26

sky at a nearly 150 foot canopy.

Before continuing on to our final destination, we stopped here to draw and capture the overpowering canopy of the white pines, black cherry and Norway spruces.

After quite a bit of time in the plantation, we continued on through the Nature Center towards the fresh water tidal marsh. Along the way, we passed through a mature sweet gum forest where we identified sweet gum, Acer rubrum (red maple), Ilex opaca (American holly), sour gum and flowering dogwood.

As we continued, the landscape transitioned from a mature sweet gum forest to an old chestnut oak forest. Here, we observed many large, old Quercus prinus (chestnut oak) trees and I managed to slip on the layer of acorns on the ground.

On the other side of the chestnut oaks, we could see the beginning of a freshwater tidal marsh filled with Zizania (wild rice). As we continued along the path, we walked through a barrow pit should be "borrow" which Sally explained was an excavated site. There was little on the ground layer, expect for a few patches of Woodwardia areolata (nettle chain fern).

From the barrow pit, we continued

to the floodplain forest; a habitat for beavers. As we walked through the mud towards the freshwater tidal marsh, we passed a plant community of sour gum, sweet gum, Bidens laevis (bur marigold) and wild rice. After some observation, we turned around, retraced our steps through the Nature Center, and headed back to the bus.

Final Thoughts

I found this field trip to be the most interesting of our trips thus far. It was interesting to experience all of the different plant communities, types of plant and tree species, ground cover changes, soil types and temperature changes all within relatively the same elevation and walking distance of the Rancocas Nature Center.

Image 7: Plantation at Rancocoas Nature Center

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Mt. Holly | New Jersey | Inner Coastal Plain Trees

American Beech Fagus grandifolia

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American Holly Ilex opaca

Chestnut Oak Quercus prinus

Native

Native

Native

Description: simple leaves with curved teeth, smooth bark, wide spread canopy, beechnuts

Description: stiff leathery alternate leaves, dense branches, smooth gray bark, pyramid shape, bright red fruits

Description: leathery leaves with 7 - 16 pairs of rounded teeth, dark deeply ridged bark, acorns

Typical Height: 50’ - 70’

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Typical Height: 60’ - 70’

Growing Conditions: acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well drained, clay soils; drought sensitive

Growing Conditions: adapted to a wide range of soils; prefers well drained sandy soils; direct sun

Growing Conditions: acidic, drought tolerant, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well drained soils

Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana

Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

Mocker Nut Hickory Carya tomentosa

Native

Native

Native

Description: opposite scaly leaves, reddish brown thin bark, evergreen, pyramid shape, pale blue fruits, cones

Description: opposite leaves 3 to 6 inches long, deep ridged bark, scarlet red fruit clusters, flowers

Description: 7 - 9 leaflets, tight and deep furrowed bark and smooth ridges, nuts, large fruits

Typical Height: 10’ - 40’

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 50’ - 80’

Growing Conditions: limestone derived soils, acidic sand, dry soils, salt tolerant

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Growing Conditions: upland woods

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Mt. Holly | New Jersey | Inner Coastal Plain Trees

Norway Spruce Picea abies

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Persimmon Diospyros virginiana

Pignut Hickory Carya glabra

Introduced

Native

Native

Description: dark green needles, branches hang down, pyramid shape, large pine cones

Description: deciduous simple alternate oblong leaves with smooth edges, dark gray thick blocky bark, flowers in clusters of 2 -3, greenish yellow fruit

Description: 5 leaflets, dark smooth ridge bark, fruits, nuts

Typical Height: 40’ - 60’

Typical Height: 15’ - 35’

Typical Height: 80’ - 90’

Growing Conditions: acidic, clay, drought tolerant, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained soils

Growing Conditions: clays, heavy loams; wet flats, shallow sloughs, swamp margins terraces of large streams and river bottoms, thickets, fields

Growing Conditions: dry woods

Red Maple Acer rubrum

River Birch Betula nigra

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Native

Native

Native

Description: wide range, adapted to most soil and site conditions, brilliant red color in fall, flowers early in spring

Description: oval shaped simple alternate leaves with serrated edges, gray brown, ivory or copper colored bark

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Typical Height: 40’ - 70’

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Growing Conditions: adapted to wet sites, forested wetlands, drained moist soils, upland

Growing Conditions: poorly drained to well drained soils, restricted to low and medium elevations, common along streams

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

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Mt. Holly | New Jersey | Inner Coastal Plain Trees

Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

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Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea

Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua

Native

Native

Native

Description: dense foliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathey leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Description: deeply lobed leaves, dark and finely grooved bark, acorns

Description: alternate simple leaves with 5 - 7 lobes, symmetrical cone shaped crown, grayish brown bark with deep narrow ridges

Typical Height:60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 60’ - 75’

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Growing Conditions: dry soils

Growing Conditions: rich, moist, moderately coarse to fine, well drained, slightly acidic soils; bottom-land areas

Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

White Oak Quercus alba

White Pine Pinus strobus

Native

Native

Native

Description: deciduous 3 -5 lobed toothed leaves, mottled brown flaking bark

Description: simple and alternate simple lobed leaves, whitish or light gray scaly to ridged bark, acorns

Description: needles in groups in 5, dark bark with furrows,

Typical Height: 50’ - 130’

Typical Height: 100’

Typical Height: 80’ - 100’

Growing Conditions: alluvial soils; stream banks, bottom-lands, mesic coves, low slopes, flood plains

Growing Conditions: coarse, deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils,

Growing Conditions: light, sandy to heavy textured soils

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Mt. Holly | New Jersey | Inner Coastal Plain Shrubs

Autumn Olive Elaeagnus umbellata

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Black Raspberry Rubus occidentalis

Bur Marigold Bidens laevis

Image 8: Old Field Shrubs at Rancocoas Nature Center 35

Mt. Holly | New Jersey | Inner Coastal Plain Ground

Hair Grass Deschampsia cespitosa

Striped Evergreen Chimaphila maculata

Wild Rice Zizania

(Right) Figure 6: Field sketch of Mt. Holly

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Shoemaker Green Pennsylvania The Fall Line

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Figure 1: Field sketch of Shoemaker Green

9.9.2017 The Difference Design Can Make

Two "green" locations at the University of Pennsylvania were visited on Saturday, September 9th.

These drastically different spaces are Shoemaker Green (located along 33rd Street and Smith Walk) and James G. Kaskey Memorial Park / the BioPond (located at along S. University Avenue and Guardian Drive). After spending a couple of hours visiting and observing these spaces, they can be easily compared and contrasted in terms of design and species composition.

Shoemaker Green

The first stop was Shoemaker Green; a fairly new (completed in 2012) 2.75 acre public greenspace. It is situated in front of the Palestra and surrounded by additional 40

recreational facilities / stadiums.

According to the University of Pennsylvania, the site was designed with an "innovative storm water management system." At first observation, it is easy to determine that the space is intended as both for leisure and as a walkway. The site changes in elevation as it approaches the Palestra; approximately one story, or one set of stairs along the side of the site.

Upon arrival, it is clear that Shoemaker Green is highly designed.

Several trees lined pedestrian paths of the same material circle around a nearly perfectly mowed green lawn.

A paved pedestrian path divides the site into distinct sections; an entry way, a rain garden, a large lawn and various seating areas.

The site is diverse in vegetation;

however that has a very handpicked feel. Further, particular groups of plantings are repeated throughout the site. Additionally, almost all of the trees at Shoemaker Green are planted in individual tree pits and are evenly spaced from one another; particular in crafting the tree lined pedestrian paths.

The species of trees that line the paths are a part of an approximately 20 foot sub-canopy and include Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), Acer rubrum (red maple), Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak) and Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree).

Along certain points of the path, there is a shrub layer of Hydrangea macrophylla (hydrangea) and Rudbeckia hirta (black eyed Susan).

The most interesting and diverse location on the site is the rain

garden which is made up of many diverse species. The canopy is approximately 20 feet and made up of Taxodium distichum (bald cypress). Black eyed Susan and Hamamelis virginiana (common witchhazel) make up a lush shrub layer and Carex amphibola (creek sedge) is abundant on the ground.

Possibly a design decision, as the elevation rises, the biodiversity lessens. The highest point of Shoemaker Green consists of significantly less diversity of vegetation. Several large Platanus x occidentalis (London planetree) dominate along the Palestra. They stand alone with no subcanopy or shrub layer. Between the rain garden and London planetree are several path lining, sub-canopy trees including Sassafras albidum (sassafras) and Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip poplar) trees.

Additional observations of Shoemaker Green included how people interacted with the space.

From one hour of observation, it is evident that people do not interact much with the "nature" of the space. Many people walk through the space as a way of passage along campus. Some sit on tables and chairs by the Palestra, but the lawn; the largest space remained completely untouched.

BioPond

The second stop was the BioPond; the oldest greenspace on campus that has been ongoing since the 1880s. Contrary to Shoemaker Green, the "design" of the BioPond is minimal. Upon arrival, it is quite stunning how something appears so "natural".

Unlike Shoemaker Green, the BioPond did not have manicured elements. Of course, some of the site was designed, but the design decisions allowed the site to feel very natural, especially since this site has been adapting and changing for over one hundred years. A variety of paths and path conditions did not expose the entire site, but rather allowed for exploration and elements of surprise. For example, some of the paths lead to clearings in the vegetation which formed "outdoor rooms."

The space was far less divided than Shoemaker Green. The vegetation is more dense, abundant and diverse, which allowed more variety across the site. Additionally, the minimal design of the site allowed it to feel much more natural. Simple path choices with dirt and gravel surfaces met directly with the soils and vegetation allowed the site to feel far less manicured.

The design of BioPark allows one to experience an environment in which it is easy to forget that one is on an urban college campus, and not within the woods or a more natural area. The canopy of the BioPond exceeds over 100 feet including the Ulmus americana (American elm). A mix of canopy and subcanopy includes Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), Lagerstroemia indica (Crapemyrtle), Platanus x occidentalis (London planetree), Quercus phellos (Willow oak), Ilex opaca (American holly), Quercus palustris (Pin oak), Quercus rubra (Red oak), Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) and Ginkgo biloba (maidenhair tree), Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood), Fagus sylvatica (European beech), Aesculus glabra (Ohio Buckeye), Sassafras albidum (Sassafras), Betula lenta (Black birch), Asimina triloba (paw paw) and Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw viburnum) that greatly vary in height.

The shrub layer is dense including many bushes and ferns such as Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese tassel fern), Asplenium trichomanes (Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern), Adiantum capilusverneris (Southern maidenhair fern), Osmunda claytoniana (Interrupted fern), Matteuccia struthiopteris 41

(Ostrich fern), and Anisocampium niponicum (Japanese painted fern).

The space feels significantly more confined than Shoemaker Green.

Additionally, while one is within the space, there is an abundant amount of biodiversity of sounds and animals. Sounds of various birds, squirrels scurrying and leaves blowing in the wind are constant throughout the site, so much so that most of the "city" sounds are often muted or even nonexistent.

Many more people were engaged with the site and nature than at Shoemaker Green. Several people were eating lunch on the benches surrounding the pond. Others were walking along the paths and taking photographs of some of the plants.

Several students were working in a research garden within the site and others were admiring the small waterfall that leads into the pond.

The pond brought additional biodiversity to the site including several animals that were not seen at Shoemaker Green including a baby blue heron, many squirrels and a couple of red ear sliders.

Both are located in an urban environment and on the University of Pennsylvania campus, more specifically, both are located in areas that are surrounded by buildings, which gives both sites similar edge conditions. Most surprising, is that there are many of the same species of vegetation throughout both sites. These species include London planetree within the canopy, white sassafras within the sub canopy and black eyed Susan within the shrub layer.

After realizing the similarities of structure and species between Shoemaker Green and BioPond, it can be determined that the design, arrangement and grouping of vegetation can dramatically impact one's experience of the site / environment that one is in.

Final Thoughts

Despite the very obvious site design differences between Shoemaker Green and BioPond, there are several surprising similarities.

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(Right) Figure 2: Field sketch of BioPond

Shoemaker Green | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Trees

Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum

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Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

London Planetree occidentalis × orientalis

Native

Native

Introduced

Description: large, slow growing, buttressed trunk, alternate leaves, thin bark, produces cone fruit

Description: opposite leaves 3 to 6 inches long, deep ridged bark, scarlet red fruit clusters, flowers

Description: 3-5 lobed leaves with large teeth, mottled brown flaky bark, yellow and white under-bark

Typical Height: 100’ - 120’

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 50’ - 130’

Growing Conditions: very wet soils (muck, clay, fine sand); found on flat topography less than 100 feet above sea level

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Growing Conditions: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, wet, clay, well drained soils; tolerant to urban conditions

Red Maple Acer rubrum

Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor

Native

Native

Description: wide range, adapted to most soil and site conditions, brilliant red color in fall, flowers early in spring

Description: deciduous alternative leaves, lateral branches, scaly dark gray bark, long stalked acorns

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Typical Height: 45’ - 60’

Growing Conditions: adapted to wet sites, forested wetlands, drained moist soils, upland

Growing Conditions: moist to wet, deep acidic soils; swamp forests, river bottoms, stream sides; poorly drained uplands

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Shoemaker Green | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Shrubs

Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla

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Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta

Common Witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana

Image 1: Rudbeckia hirta (back eyed Susan) at Shoemaker Green

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Shoemaker Green | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Ground

Creek Sedge Carex amphibola

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Image 2: Carex amphibola (creek sedge) at Shoemaker Green

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BioPond

Philadelphia, Pa The Fall Line

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BioPond | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Trees

American Elm Ulmus americana

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American Holly Ilex opaca

Black Birch Betula lenta

Native

Native

Native

Description: six inch deciduous leaves, vase shaped, flowers in spring

Description: stiff leathery alternate leaves, dense branches, smooth gray bark, pyramid shape, bright red fruits

Description: triangular shaped leaves, striated papery bark, brown or black bark, straight trunk

Typical Height: 80’ - 100’

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Growing Conditions: clay, loam, sandy, acidic, alkaline soils; drought tolerant; well drained soils

Growing Conditions: adapted to a wide range of soils; prefers well drained sandy soils; direct sun

Growing Conditions: well drained, moist, deep, rich soils; acidic, alkaline and salt spray tolerant; moist ravines, cool forests

Crape-Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica

Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Introduced

Native

Description: rounded opposite leaves, pale to dark bark, hundreds of 1” to 2” flowers in clusters of 6” to 18”

Description: fine feathery opposite leaves, produces 3/4” - 1 3/4” long cones, pyramid shape

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 70’ - 100’

Growing Conditions: adapted to southern and south eastern climates; drought tolerant; low salt tolerance

Growing Conditions: acidic, loamy, moist, well-drained, wet, clay souls; prefers moist conditions; drought tolerant

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BioPond | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Trees

European Beech Fagus sylvatica

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London Planetree occidentalis × orientalis

Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba

Invasive

Introduced

Introduced

Description: 1” - 5” inch egg-shaped course toothed leaves, smooth gray bark, fruits small triangular nuts, long pointed buds

Description: 3-5 lobed leaves with large teeth, mottled brown flaky bark, yellow and white under-bark

Description: deciduous distinct fan shaped leaves, turns bright yellow in fall

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 50’ - 130’

Typical Height: 25’ - 50’

Growing Conditions: rich, mature soils

Growing Conditions: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, wet, clay, well drained soils; tolerant to urban conditions

Growing Conditions: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, wet, clay, well drained soils; tolerant to drought, wetness, urban conditions, salt and confined spaces

Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra

Pin Oak

Quercus palustris

Native

Native

Description: opposite fanned compound leaves, scaly trunk bark, twigs emit foul odor when broken

Description: smooth reddish to grayish brown bark, deciduous alternate leaves with 5 -7 lobes, deep C-shaped sinuses.

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 70’ -90’

Growing Conditions: moist woods

Growing Conditions: prefers bottom lands; wet, shallow sites with heavy soils that drain poorly

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BioPond | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Trees

Red Oak Quercus rubra

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Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Willow Oak Quercus phellos

Native

Native

Native

Description: deciduous alternate, elliptic leaves with 7 - 11 lobes, dark gray or black scaly bark with ridges, red or pink inner bark, single or groups of 2 - 5 acorns

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Description: deciduous simple alternate elongated slender leaved; reddish rough bark with narrow ridges, single or pairs of acorns

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Typical Height: 100’

Growing Conditions: well drained slightly acidic sandy loam soils; most common on North and East facing slopes; well-drained uplands; lower and middle slopes, coves, ravines, valley floors

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

Growing Conditions: moist well drained acidic soils; bottom-lands of Coastal Plain

Image 3: Canopy layer at the BioPond 57

BioPond | Pennsylvania | The Fall Line Ground

Interrupted Fern Osmunda claytoniana

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Japanese Painted Fern Anisocampium niponicum

Japanese Tassel Fern Polystichum polyblepharum

Image 4: Anisocampium niponicum (Japanese painted fern) at the Bio Pond 59

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Upper Roxborough Reservoir Pennsylvania

Piedmont Uplands

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Figure 7: Field sketch of Upper Roxborough Reservoir

10.3.2017 A Different Look at the Studio Site

On October 3rd, we visited the Upper Roxborough Reservoir, located in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia within the Piedmont region.

This site was very familiar to us, since it is also the studio site. The purpose of the field trip was to learn about the history of the site from Rich Giordano, learn about bird species within the site from Allison Fetterman and to briefly identify trees and plants on the site, as usual. We had studied the site from a topographic and experiential perspective, but not from a historical or bird habitat perspective, so this trip provided two new layers of information for the class.

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This field trip was especially informative to my current interests and concept for my studio project.

Recently, in studio, we had to write a concept statement. Mine read "The Roxborough, Manayunk and East Falls region of Philadelphia consistently has a unique juxtaposition of nature, industrial remnants and the unnaturalness of suburbia. The concept of this project is to further expose that juxtaposition through revealing the new and old infrastructure on the site of the reservoir and reconnect those elements to the “nature” that has overtaken the site. Moving forward, the path is intended to guide one through these old infrastructure remnants while simultaneously being exposed to the new infrastructure of the radio towers."

Learning about both more indepth history of the site, especially the infrastructure elements and also learning about how to create a healthy habitat for birds will help me to further investigate and emphasize the juxtaposition between man-made and nature.

History

Rich’s tour could not be any more helpful because he had answered a lot of pending questions that I had been researching. He first gave us an overall history of the thirty-five acre site. The reservoir was first constructed in the 1890s intended to purify Philadelphia’s water. Since the site is located at the highest point in Philadelphia (414’ above center city), the location was ideal. In addition to the Upper Roxborough Reservoir, a series of filter beds were built across the street

(now located next to the baseball field). These filter beds were once full of sand to filter the water for a second time. According to Rich, these filter beds are still in use today.

This was really interesting to me, because when we first visited the site, I had absolutely no idea what the filter beds were. Now, they are another potential point along my path.

In 1962, the Upper Roxborough Reservoir was decommissioned. In the years between then and now, all of the vegetation on the site has grown, which was fascinating to imagine. As an operating site, the only vegetation was turf grass surrounding the boundaries of the reservoir walls. In 2009, from the efforts of the local Friends Group, and several battles against housing developers, the site officially became a part of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. Soon after the site became a part of Parks and Recreation, the Friends group made major efforts to clear and clean up the site so that it could be used and that the paths could be walked on again. Rich had showed us several photographs, and it was really unbelievable the difference prior to the cleanup and today.

When we first visited the studio site, I had felt guilty for never visiting before because I once lived in the

neighborhood. After learning the history, I think that I must have lived there while these cleanup efforts were still going on.

In addition to the history of the site, Rich spoke a lot about the original infrastructure. This was especially fascinating to me since my studio project is heavily based on these elements. During my site visits, I had showed interest in the two valve / man holes that are on the spillway, but partially grown over. I had been trying to find any historical documents on detailed information on these, but have not been able to find as much information as I would have liked. According to Rich, these man hole covers cover a 30’ valve that connects to water pump machinery and a 30� pipe that connects the two water basins.

He had mentioned that when they first were restoring the site, the covers were gone and the valves and machinery were exposed. Ironically enough, I had proposed this in one of my design iterations.

Rich also showed us several historic photos of the infrastructure elements of the site. One was a photograph of a pump that looked like a chimney.

These pumps were once used as exit valves and are still intact on the site. This is another point I want to include in my studio project.

Another really interesting element that Rich spoke about was the old alum house, which is now just a cement slab. Lindsay, Christine and I had a discussion on what this could be, so I was really happy that its history was clarified. He believed that it was built in the 1940s and was used to further purify the water.

I am curious to why the rest of the structure was removed and was is below the exposed valves.

Rich also took the time to explain the history of some of the logistics of the reservoir, which was interesting and tied some of the other site elements together. Now crumbling, there is a small, hidden staircase at the corner of Port Royal Avenue and Eva Street. A little further away, there is a very large staircase that gets one from the ground up to the path of one of the basins. We were told that this corner was likely where supplies were delivered to the reservoir and then taken up the larger staircase. The landscape on this corner of the site is very different from anywhere else on the site and that is because it was most likely where pump houses were located, and the grounds would have been a bit more manicured than anywhere else. Rich’s tour was not only interesting, but crucial to learning more about the made processes of the site.

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Birds

In addition to learning the history and functions of the Upper Roxborough Reservoir, we were lucky to learn about bird species from Allison Fetterman. I know absolutely nothing about birds and the thought of them had not crossed my mind once during our studio site visits, so it was refreshing to have another fact about the site to study and consider.

Allison started off by giving us an overview of how the different seasons directly affect birds and how certain plant species are beneficial during certain seasons. Allison mentioned that fall is great for dense vegetation, which is currently all along the sides of the reservoir walls. This is because birds molt, or regrow their feathers in the fall and thus have less flight capability. The dense vegetation serves as habitat and protection during this process.

The winter is when birds are in one spot for the longest time; about four to five months. During winter, birds are dependent on plant species that have berries left over from fall.

These species include poison ivy (very prevalent throughout the site), staghorn sumac, winterberry and sassafras. During the spring, birds are dependent on flowering species that will attract insects, which then 64

serve as food for birds and their young.

Throughout our walk on the site, Allison and others mentioned birds that had been seen on site that day and previously and where on the site they had been seen. Starlings, turkey vultures, red tailed hawk and eagles, all of whom like tall places to perch have been spotted on and around the radio towers and sycamore trees on the site. Within the thick shrub layers on site, especially down the old basin walls, were coopers hawks and song sparrows. Red belly wood peckers can be found in the walnut trees and dead trees on site because these birds are cavity nesters. Blue jays are found throughout the site, since they are typically found in oak forests. Other birds seen throughout the site include European starling bird, house sparrow, Carolina wren, ruby-throated hummingbird, green heron and warbler.

The meadow is a unique part of the site for a number of reasons, but especially for bird populations.

Allison mentioned that meadows require a lot of maintenance, especially since this was a planted meadow, and not a natural one.

The required maintenance is a lot of work, and since not all meadows are properly maintained, there had been a decline of bird species who

are attracted to meadows. Within the meadow, we identified the many grasses and Allison was excited to see that there was mullein growing in the meadow because that will hopefully attract golden finches who enjoy perching on this forb.

I found Allison’s expertise fascinating and overwhelming, but what I believe she was trying to have us understand is that certain birds depend on certain plant species, depending on the time of year. These plant species could influence our further studio designs of the site in terms of what areas to possibly preserve and what types of vegetation to possibly introduce on the site.

Plant Identification

Unlike our usual trips, we focused less on plant identification.

However, we did identify some species, some of which were especially important to birds. We mainly identified species along the edges of walking path and in the meadow rather than in the basins or within the former basin walls. In the canopy, we identified Acer platanoides (Norway maple), Populus grandidentata (big tooth aspen), Quercus phellos (willow oak), Fraxinus americana (white ash), Platanus occidentalis (sycamore) and

Juglans nigra (black walnut trees).

In the sub canopy, we identified Pyrus calleryana (callery pear), Cornus florida (flowering dog wood), Rhamnus cathartica (buckthorn), Sassafras albidum (sassafras) and Celtis occidentalis (hackberry).

In the shrub layer, we identified Rubus phoenicolasius (wine berry), Ageratina altissima (white snake root) and Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod). In the ground layer we identified Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy).

In the meadow, we identified the many types of grasses. These included; Schizachyrium scoparium (little blue stem grass), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), Tridens flavus (purple top grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Dactylis glomerata (orchid grass),Setaria sp. ( fox tail grass), Elymus canadensis (Canada rye grass), and Verbascum thapsus (mullein), which is an attractor to birds who like to perch.

Moving forward with this studio project, having knowledge of these layers of history, birds and plant specific will be beneficial in the development of our path design and overall knowledge and understanding of the uniqueness of the Upper Roxborough Reservoir.

Figure 8: Juglans nigra (black walnut tree) field sketch

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Upper Roxborough Reservoir | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands Trees

Big Tooth Aspen Populus grandidentata

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Black Walnut Juglans nigra

Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica

Native

Native

Introduced

Description: deciduous alternate and compound leave, short wide spreading crown, grayish brown deeply furrowed bark, large round fruit

Description: deciduous alternate and compound leave, short wide spreading crown, grayish brown deeply furrowed bark, large round fruit

Description: elliptic fine toothed opposite leaves, twigs ending in sharp spines, yellow inner bark

Typical Height: 70’ - 80’

Typical Height: 70’ - 80’

Typical Height: 16’

Growing Conditions: deep, well drained, neutral soils

Growing Conditions: deep, well drained, neutral soils

Growing Conditions: thickets

Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana

Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

Hackberry Celtis occidentalis

Introduced

Native

Native

Description: simple oval leaves, produces fruit

Description: opposite leaves 3 to 6 inches long, deep ridged bark, scarlet red fruit clusters, flowers

Description: long pointed coarse toothed leaves, light gray bark with dark warty knots and ridges, dark red or purple fruit

Typical Height: 25’ - 35’

Typical Height: 40’

Typical Height: 20’ - 70’

Growing Conditions: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained and clay soils; some drought tolerance; tolerates urban conditions

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Growing Conditions: rich, moist, alkaline, acidic soils; moist sites, along stream banks, floodplains

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Upper Roxborough Reservoir | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands Trees

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Norway Maple Acer platanoides

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Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

Introduced

Native

Native

Description: deciduous broad leaf with 5 lobes, milky sap from stem, spreading canopy

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Description: deciduous 3 -5 lobed toothed leaves, mottled brown flaking bark

Typical Height: 40’ - 50’

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Typical Height: 50’ - 130’

Growing Conditions: sandy, loamy or clay soils

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

Growing Conditions: alluvial soils; stream banks, bottom-lands, mesic coves, low slopes, flood plains

White Ash Fraxinus americana

Willow Oak Quercus phellos

Native

Native

Description: deciduous opposite compound leaves, long straight trunk, thick dark gray bark with diamond shaped ridges

Description: deciduous simple alternate elongated slender leaved; reddish rough bark with narrow ridges, single or pairs of acorns

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Typical Height: 100’

Growing Conditions: deep well drained moist soils; middle slopes

Growing Conditions: moist well drained acidic soils; bottom-lands of Coastal Plain

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Upper Roxborough Reservoir | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands Shrubs

Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis

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Wine berry Rubus phoenicolasius

Image 9: Upper Roxborough Reservoir

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Upper Roxborough Reservoir | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands Ground - Meadow Grasses

Fox tail Grass Setaria sp.

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Mullein Verbascum thapsus

Orchid Grass Dactylis glomerata

Image 10: Meadow Grasses at the Upper Roxborough Reservoir

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Nottingham County Park Pennsylvania

Piedmont Uplands

75

Figure 9: Field sketch of Nottingham County Park

10.10.2017

A Drastic Difference Between Bedrock Type

On October 10, we traveled to Chester County, Pennsylvania to visit Nottingham County Park within the Piedmont Upland. Here we would hike about three miles across both bedrock types of schist and serpentinite. Throughout the hike, we would examine and study three soil types; Hatboro along Black Run Creek, Manor within the schist bedrock and Chrome within the serpentinite bedrock. We would also observe the drastic difference in plant and tree species between the communities in the schist bedrock and the serpentinite bedrock.

Path to Black Creek

Immediately following the parking 76

lot, we embarked along the trail where we first walked along a meadow. Here in the canopy we saw Quercus stellata (post oak), (a rare sighting in the Piedmont), Pinus rigida (pitch pine) and Acer rubrum (red maple). In the meadow, we saw two dominant grasses; Schizachyrium scoparium (little blue stem) and Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass). As we moved further along the trail, we noticed a canopy of orange / brown pitch pines; an indication that the trees were dying as a result of the southern pine beetle infestation. Along the pitch pine canopy were several constructed bird houses intended to attract blue birds to the site.

identify the trees and to observe wildlife. The canopy surrounding the lake consisted of Pinus rigida (pitch pine), Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine), Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore), Quercus stellata (post oak) and Juglans nigra (black walnut).

In the subcanopy we identified Nyssa sylvatica (sour gum) and sassafras.

In the shrub layer, we identified Ilex verticillata (winter berry), Cornus amomum (silky dogwood), Viburnum dentatum (arrowwood) and Ageratina altissima (white snake root). Within the lake, we were lucky to spot several turtles basking in the sun.

After passing the pitch pine, we stopped to observe McPherson Lake; a manmade lake on the site.

Here, we took a few minutes to

Following McPherson Lake, we continued walking along Black Run Creek where we paused to view the historic Placer Chromite Mill Ruins.

Here, Lyndsay explained the extraction process to the class.

Immediately after, we conducted our first soil identification exercise for the Hatboro soil. This type of soil is typically found in areas considered as inner floodplain and / or the floodplain forest. From the seventeen inch soil profile, we were able to determine that the Oi layer was composed mostly of stilt grass and is “dark brown.” The A horizon is a sandy loam consisting of fine roots, schist rock and mica. The Hatboro soil is moist and allows for a lot of plant growth.

After examining the soil, we identified the types of species growing in Hatboro soil. In the canopy and subcanopy we identified Juglans nigra (black walnut), Acer rubrum (red maple), Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) and Malus sp. (crab apple). We noticed that there was not a shrub layer, but there was an abundant ground layer that consisted of Phytolacca americana (poke weed), Microstegium vimineum (stilt grass) and Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose).

Forest on Schist

Following identifying the Hatboro soil, we continued to walk along Black Run Creek where we

eventually made our way to the Buck Trail. As we hiked uphill, we identified the tree and plant species.

This included Betula lenta (black birch), Quercus alba (white oak), Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Carpinus caroliniana (iron wood), sassafras, Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel), Magnolia tripetala (umbrella magnolia), Nyssa sylvatica (sour gum), Cornus florida (flowering dog wood) and Paulownia tomentosa (chinese empress) trees of various sizes mixed within the dense canopy and subcanopy.

Within the shrub layer, we passed Lindera benzoin (spice bush), Viburnum acerifolium (maple leaf viburnum) and Rubus phoenicolasius (wine berry). On the ground, we identified Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York fern), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) and Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern).

When we reached the first peak of our hike, we were within a deciduous forest on schist. Here, we were surrounded by a tall canopy and a lot of colorful fall leaves on the ground layer. We used this location to break for lunch, learn watercolor techniques from Marie and draw / watercolor our first tree drawing of the day. While eating lunch, we noticed the significant amount of bees that were present.

After drawing, we identified the plant species within the deciduous forest. In the canopy, we identified a mix of Quercus alba (white oak), Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak), Quercus alba (white oak), Fagus grandifolia ( American beech), Betula lenta (black birch) and Nyssa sylvatica (sour gum). The subcanopy was sparse, but we did see Cornus florida (flowering dogwood). Within the shrub and ground layers, we identified Vaccinium angustifolium (low bush blueberry) and greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). After plant identification, we observed the second soil series; Manor soil.

From the 15 inch soil profile, we identified a 2 inch Oi layer of fall foliage, a ½” Oe layer, a “yellowish brown” loamy A horizon and a “reddish brown” B horizon layer.

The Manor soil series identified is well drained, which supports the plants identified above. The only major disturbance to this forest is the white tail deer.

Serpentine Forest After spending some time in the deciduous forest on schist, we continued walking until we hit the serpentine pitch pine oak forest. The boundary between the two bedrock types was immediately noticeable, especially the ground cover. The 77

trails along the schist were more “soft� and consisted of smaller rocks.

As soon as we hit the serpentine, the ground immediately became much more jagged and rocky and the soil became thinner.

that we had not seen thus far on our field trips including Sporobolus heterolepis (prarie dropseed grass) Symphyotrichum depauperatum (serpentine aster), and Agalinis purpurea (foxglove).

We had a relatively long walk throughout the serpentine forest where we walked and identified species along the way. During our walk, I noticed that some of the plant species actually reminded me of our previous field trip at the Pine Barrens; especially within the pine oak forest. The main difference I noticed was that the serpentine forest way much more buggy than the pine barrens, especially with gnats. Along our walk, we saw a lot of different plant species with a lot of new species which was exciting to learn and identify. In the canopy, we passed Quercus stellata (post oak), Betula lenta (black birch), sassafras, Prunus serotina (black cherry), Nyssa sylvatica (black gum) and Quercus marilandica (black jack oak).

Within the gravel forb community, we identified a few very tiny plants including Cerastium (old field mouse ear chickweed) Cerastium velutinum and several familiar grasses such as Indian grass and little blue stem.

These species were growing through the stone and gravel, which was very interesting and new for us to see.

In the sub canopy, we observed evergreen, eastern red cedar and tree of heaven. The shrub layer was predominately covered by a large spread of green briar, but we also spotted Solidago nemoralis (gray stem goldenrod) and Achillea millefolium (yarrow). The ground layer contained a lot of species 78

change from schist bedrock to serpentine bedrock especially fascinating and the day felt as if we had ventured to multiple locations.

Considering the different bedrocks, it was also interesting to observe how drastically different the soils were, which helps to explain the drastic change in plant and tree communities throughout the site.

Along the way, we stopped to do our third and final soil series exercise.

This time we were observing the Chrome soil. In the six inch profile, we identified a very thin Oi layer and identified the B Horizon as dark olive brown. Once we reached the peak of this walk, we paused to do the final tree drawing of the day, where I sketched a pitch pine tree surrounded by Indian grass. After the drawing exercise, we ended our day by descending down the peak and heading back to the bus.

Final Thoughts In contrast to most of our previous field trips, we stayed in one location for the duration of the day. With this in mind, I found the sudden

(Right) Figure 10: Fagus grandifolia (American beech tree) Field Sketch

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Soil Profiles

BU CK

TR

L

AI

BUC K

80

T RA

IL

CHROME

3”

O

6” 3”

B

14”

Ha parent material | alluvium typical profile 0” - 9” : silt loam 9” - 44” : silt loam 44” - 56” : sandy clay loam 56” - 70” : stratified gravelly sand to clay

2.5”

A

2.5”

O

O

1”

MANOR 2”

HATBORO

3”

A

B

A

3”

MaB parent material | schist typical profile 0” - 8” : loam 8” - 23” : channery loam 23” - 60” : very fine sandy loam

B

ChE

R

R Ha

parent material | serpentinite typical profile 0” - 7” : silt loam 7” - 23” : gravelly clay loam 30” - 40” : bedrock

R MaB

ChE

parent material | alluvium

parent material | schist

parent material | serpentinite

typical profile

typical profile

typical profile

0” - 9” : silt loam

0” - 8” : loam

0” - 7” : silt loam

9” - 44” : silt loam

8” - 23” : channery loam

7” - 23” : gravelly clay loam

44” - 56” : sandy clay loam

23” - 60” : very fine sandy loam

30” - 40” : bedrock

56” - 70” : stratified gravelly sand to clay

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Hatboro Soil Trees

Sycamore Platanus occidentalis

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Black Walnut Juglans nigra

Pitch Pine Pinus rigida

Native

Native

Native

Description: deciduous 3 -5 lobed toothed leaves, mottled brown flaking bark

Description: deciduous alternate and compound leave, short wide spreading crown, grayish brown deeply furrowed bark, large round fruit

Description: 2” - 5” course stiff needles in clusters of 3, acorns

Typical Height: 50’ - 130’

Typical Height: 70’ - 80’

Typical Height: 40’ - 60’

Growing Conditions: alluvial soils; stream banks, bottom-lands, mesic coves, low slopes, flood plains

Growing Conditions: deep, well drained, neutral soils

Growing Conditions: dry, sandy soils

Post Oak Quercus stellata

Red Maple Acer rubrum

Native

Native

Description: gray or brown leathery lobed leaves, hairy twigs, brown bark with cracks, acorns

Description: wide range, adapted to most soil and site conditions, brilliant red color in fall, flowers early in spring

Typical Height: 50’ - 60’

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Growing Conditions: dry soils

Growing Conditions: adapted to wet sites, forested wetlands, drained moist soils, upland

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Hatboro Soil Trees

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

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Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

Native

Native

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Description: dense foliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathery leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Image 11: Hatboro Soil Ground-cover

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Hatboro Soil Shrubs

Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Ground

Purple Top Grass Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans

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Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum

Winterberry Ilex verticillata

Little Blue Stem Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora

Image 12: Ilex verticillata (winter berry) at Nottingham County Park

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Manor Soil Trees

American Beech Fagus grandifolia

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Black Birch Betula lenta

Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida

Native

Native

Native

Description: simple leaves with curved teeth, smooth bark, wide spread canopy, beechnuts

Description: triangular shaped leaves, striated papery bark, brown or black bark, straight trunk

Description: opposite leaves 3 to 6 inches long, deep ridged bark, scarlet red fruit clusters, flowers

Typical Height: 50’ - 70’

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Typical Height: 40’

Growing Conditions: acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well drained, clay soils; drought sensitive

Growing Conditions: well drained, moist, deep, rich soils; acidic, alkaline and salt spray tolerant; moist ravines, cool forests

Growing Conditions: rich, well drained soils; middle and lower slopes; under-story species

Iron Wood Carpinus caroliniana

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea

Native

Native

Native

Description: deciduous alternate leaves, wide spread, flat top crown, gray thing bark with longitudinal fluting

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Description: deeply lobed leaves, dark and finely grooved bark, acorns

Typical Height: 25’ - 40’

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Growing Conditions: mesic and wet sites; swamps, river terraces, lowlands; well drained soils

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

Growing Conditions: dry soils

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Manor Soil Trees

Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

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Umbrella Magnolia Magnolia tripetala

White Oak Quercus alba

Native

Native

Native

Description: dense foliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathery leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Description: simple oblong alternate leaves clustered near ends of branches, large white flowers, light gray smooth bark

Description: simple and alternate simple lobed leaves, whitish or light gray scaly to ridged bark, acorns

Typical Height: 60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’

Typical Height: 100’

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Growing Conditions: deep, moist soils; streams, swamp margins, moist woods

Growing Conditions: coarse, deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils,

Image 13: Manor Soil Ground-cover

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Manor Soil Shrubs

Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium pallidum

Ground

Purple Top Grass Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides

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Maple Leaf Viburnum Viburnum acerifolium

Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia

Green Briar Smilax rotundifolia

New York Fern Polystichum acrostichoides

Image 13: Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) at Nottingham County Park

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Chrome Soil Trees

Black Birch Betula lenta

Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

Native

Native

Native

Description: triangular shaped leaves, striated papery bark, brown or black bark, straight trunk

Description: simple alternate leaves, scaly thin bark, berry like fruits

Description: dense folliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathey leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’ Growing Conditions: well drained, moist, deep, rich soils; acidic, alkaline and salt spray tolerant; moist ravines, cool forests

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Black Cherry Prunus serotina

Typical Height: 115’ Growing Conditions: successional vegetation, forest openings, old fields, secondgrowth woods

Typical Height:60’ - 80’ Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana

Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica

Post Oak Quercus stellata

Native

Native

Native

Description: thick leathery shallow lobed leaves, dark squarish blocked bark, hairy twigs

Description: opposite scaly leaves, reddish brown thin bark, evergreen, pyramid shape, pale blue fruits, cones

Description: gray or brown leathery lobed leaves, hairy twigs, brown bark with cracks, acorns

Typical Height: 40’ - 50’

Typical Height: 10’ - 40’

Typical Height: 50’ - 60’

Growing Conditions: dry barren soils

Growing Conditions: limestone derived soils, acidic sand, dry soils, salt tolerant

Growing Conditions: dry soils

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Chrome Soil Trees

Sassafras Sassafras albidum

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Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima

Native

Introduced

Description: reddish brown rough thick deeply ridged bark, three different alternate leaves

Description: long compound leaf with up to 30 leaflets, smooth gray bark, flowers have strong foul odor

Typical Height: 30’ - 55’

Typical Height: 80’

Growing Conditions: soils with low pH; disturbed sites; woodlands, fields, roadsides

Growing Conditions: disturbed areas, urban areas, fields, roadsides, woodland edges, forest opening

Image 14: Chrome Soil Ground-cover

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Chrome Soil Shrubs

Gray Stem Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Ground

Foxglove Agalinis purpure

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Green Briar Smilax rotundifolia

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Prarie Dropseed Grass Sporobolus heterolepis

Serpentine Aster Symphyotrichum depauperatum

Image 15: Symphyotrichum depauperatum Serpentine Aster at Nottingham County Park

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Nottingham County Park | Pennsylvania | Piedmont Uplands | Chrome Soil Gravel Forb Community

Purple Top Grass Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans

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Little Blue Stem Grass Schizachyrium scoparium

Old Field Mouse Chickweed Cerastium glomeratum

Image 16: Gravel Forb Community

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Ringing Rocks County Park Pennsylvania

Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section, Piedmont

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Figure 11: Field sketch of Ringing Rocks County Park

10.17.2017 Can We Hit Rocks Before Every Midreview?

On Tuesday October 17, we visited Ringing Rocks County Park and Mariton Sanctuary, located in Bucks County and Northampton County, Pennsylvania, respectively; Ringing Rocks County Park is a part of the Piedmont, specifically in the Gettysburg Newark Lowlands.

Mariton Sanctuary is in the Reading Prong Section of the New England Province. The purpose of this trip was to focus on the experiences of these two sites through the senses.

The sites are located on shale, sandstone and diabase rock (at Ringing Rocks County Park) and granitic gneiss at Mariton.

Ringing Rocks County Park

When we first arrived at Ringing 104

Rocks County Park, we entered a forested area to complete the plant quiz. It was already a chilly day, and the shade from the canopy of trees including Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Betula lenta (black birch), Nyssa sylvatica (sour gum) and Quercus alba (white oak) made it feel even colder. During the quiz, the atmosphere in the forest was very quiet aside from the crunching of the fall foliage on the ground.

As we exited the forest, we immediately were fronted with the diabase red rock. Visually, this was so compelling and completely different from anything that we had seen all semester. The area of rock covered the entire ground and was surrounded with a tall canopy of trees.

The iron content in the diabase

made the rocks a beautiful reddish color.

As we made our way over the rocks, we were able to hit them with a hammer. By doing so, we created a really amazing series of sounds, almost like a musical instrument and not something one would expect from a rock.

Parts of rocks were worn and turned gray from being hit with hammers which added to the unique coloring.

It was a really amazing experience to hear all of the different noises from the rocks at the same time. Despite a lot of us in our class and others who were visiting the site were hitting the rocks simultaneously, I did not feel like it was ever too loud or too disturbing. Rather, I experienced hearing a slight echo and the rings would slowly taper off.

After we were done hitting the rocks, we took a break for our first drawing assignment. At this point, I began to realize the drastic temperature difference between the rocks and the forest. I could feel the sun coming through the trees and beating down on us in the “Boulder Field” and had to take off my jacket.

While drawing, other people were hitting rocks in the distance, but I did not find this to be distracting, rather I thought it actually sounded pleasant.

After our first drawing, we continued along through the rocks to the river bed. Here, we would see the dramatic difference between the diabase and shale.

In the “Boulder Field”, I felt more connected through the sight by sound, but once we entered the next trail and back into the forest, I felt much more connected to the sight through touch, mostly because we had to physically climb on large rocks and boulders to reach the next drawing point. Before starting our drawing, I noticed that the class was all very visually compelled to the difference between the diabase and shale. As we began drawing this difference, I noticed that this location was quiet, but had a nice variety of sounds. I heard several birds as well as a small waterfall.

Unlike the “Boulder Field”, the river bed felt much cooler. The canopy of trees provided a lot of shade, and the rocks were cool to the touch. This area was chilly like the first forested patch at the entrance, and I had to put my jacket back on.

After this drawing, we continued to climb until we were on top of the shale. We then began to walk along the rock. I found this walk to be visually compelling, especially from the amount of textures and colors from the variety of conditions along the path. The shale was beautiful, and throughout the path was covered in moss, lichens, bright fall foliage and / or water. While at the last drawing spot, we were on a peak. Here, we felt more in a valley from the surrounding edges of diabase and tree canopy and the sounds seemed to echo a little.

At the end of this walk, we were faced with a beautiful, large terrace formed by the shale, leading up to a waterfall.

At this point, we were all intrigued by the many different textures including the stone, water and bright green moss. These textures lead us to be connected through this site by touching the stone walls and walking through some of the water on the stone.

We then physically climbed up several large boulders and up to the top of the waterfall to break to eat lunch. During lunch, many of us spoke about how beautiful of a day it was in terms of temperature, fall atmosphere and the site itself. We could hear the waterfall and several birds and had a beautiful view of the shale.

Mariton Sanctuary

The second stop of the day was to the Mariton Sanctuary. Here, we spent some time in the nature center to learn about the different species throughout the site. I was a bit squeamish about all of the taxidermy, so I decided to join a few others in the yard outside of the nature center. While lying down the slight slope, I was warmed by the sunlight and really enjoyed the quietness of the sanctuary to the point where I nearly fell asleep.

After resting, we began our hike through the Mariton Sanctuary.

As we walked through the 75 – 100 year old tulip tree forest, I was visually intrigued by all of the different fall colors of the trees, but especially from the bright colors of the sour gum trees. Throughout this walk, I felt more connected through touch, sight and smell, rather than sound.

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The path ground conditions were far less interesting that at Ringing Rocks, however the flat mowed path allowed us to get close to the species and touch the trees and plants, which made plant identification easier. In particular, we were able to touch the rough leaf of a new species; the Helianthus divaricatus (woodland sunflower).

identification that I often ignore the sensory atmosphere beyond what I am seeing, so this was an important opportunity to consider the other sensory qualities that landscapes have to offer. It was also a wonderful stress reliever to hit rocks two days before midreview.

As we transitioned from forest to meadow, several times, I noticed the significant change in temperature again. Although the day had warmed up from the chilly morning, I found myself constantly putting my jacket on, and taking it off, depending on the density of the tree canopy or the openness of the meadow.

I felt that the meadows allowed for the most sensory experiences and at some instances, I could pick up on certain smells, especially a slight burning or campfire smell.

Final Thoughts

I think that it was appropriate to have the focus on this piece surround sensory experience, especially given the variety of atmospheres visited throughout the two sites. During our previous field trips, I have found myself being so caught up in tree and plant 106

(Right) Figure 12: Field sketch of Ringing Rocks boulder field

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Ringing Rocks County Park | Pennsylvania | Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section, Piedmont Trees

Black Birch Betula lenta

Sugar Maple Acer saccharum

Native

Native

Native

Description: triangular shaped leaves, striated papery bark, brown or black bark, straight trunk

Description: dense folliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathey leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Description: deciduous opposite leaves with 5 pointed lobes, dense spreading crown, light gray or light brown roughly deep furrowed bark

Typical Height:60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 75’ - 100’

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Growing Conditions: rich mesic woods, drier upland woods, canyons, valleys, ravines, stream terraces, stream banks

Typical Height: 15’ - 30’ Growing Conditions: well drained, moist, deep, rich soils; acidic, alkaline and salt spray tolerant; moist ravines, cool forests

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Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

White Oak Quercus alba Native Description: simple and alternate simple lobed leaves, whitish or light gray scaly to ridged bark, acorns Typical Height: 100’ Growing Conditions: coarse, deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils,

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Mariton Sanctuary Pennsylvania

Reading Prong Section, New England Province

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Mariton Sanctuary | Pennsylvania | Reading Prong Section, New England Province Trees

Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica

112

Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera

Native

Native

Description: dense folliage, conical crown, straight trunk, simple alternate leathey leaves, reddish brown bark with deep irregular ridges

Description: smooth tulip shaped alternate simple leaves, light green-yellow flowers, thick bark with interlacing furrows and narrow ridges

Typical Height:60’ - 80’

Typical Height: 20’ - 35’

Growing Conditions: well drained, light textured soils, silty alluvial sites

Growing Conditions: acidic, well drained soil, tolerates urban conditions

Image 17: Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) at Mariton Sancutary

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Mariton Sanctuary | Pennsylvania | Reading Prong Section, New England Province Shrubs

Woodland Sunflower Helianthus divaricatus

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Image 18: Helianthus divaricatus (woodland sunflower) in meadow at Mariton

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Hawk Mountain Pennsylvania

Blue Mountain Section, Ridge and Valley Province

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Figure 13: Field sketch of Hawk Mountain

11.7.2017

Birds and Decorative Gourds

On November 7th, we traveled north of Philadelphia to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; located in Kempton, Pennsylvania. This was our last site visit of the semester where we visited sites from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains; where Hawk Mountain is located. The purpose of our visit was to hike along numerous rocky trails (on the Tuscarora Formation) to look outs where we could bird watch. Hawk Mountain is especially known for the hundreds of raptors that fly past during fall migration from August to December and the lookouts not only provide a beautiful view of the Lehigh Valley, but they also give opportunities to see raptors such as Buteos, Falcons, Accipiters, Turkey Vultures, Bald 118

Eagles, Golden Eagles, Ospreys and Northern Harriers. While on the hike, we anticipated seeing plant species within a Dry Oak Heath Forest, a Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Forest and a Low HeathMountain Ash Shrubland.

Visitor Center

When we first arrived to Hawk Mountain, we all immediately noticed how much colder it was there than back in Philadelphia.

Our first stop of the day was to the visitor center where we could warm up but also learn a bit about the history of Hawk Mountain.

We were also able to grab some information and guides to the trails and bird watching.

Look Out Trail

After we left the visitor center, we

made our way along the lookout trail and to the South Lookout; 1300 foot elevation. As we made our way along the trail, we were less conscious of the specific plant species, but rather focused on careful walking along the slippery rock trails with exposed quartzite and sandstone. Along the way, we passed an ADA accessible trail; the first one that I recall seeing on any of the field trips. This immediately brought back flashbacks of our summer institute project where we had to design an ADA trail. Along the way to the South Lookout, we did not specifically identify any trees, but from the ground cover, I recognized leaves from Quercus rubra (red oak), Quercus alba (white oak) and several red maple trees.

We also passed though dying Tsuga canadensis (Eastern hemlock).

South Lookout

When we reached the South Lookout, I was immediately hit with nostalgia. As a kid, I would go to Hawk Mountain with my dad, and I thought of a childhood photo of me from this same lookout nearly fifteen years ago. Additionally, we were all overwhelmed with the beautiful scenery overlooking the Lehigh Valley, especially with the array of fall colors from Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) and others mixed in with Pinus strobus (white pine). Here, we did a quick drawing to try to capture the tree canopy and valley.

The South Overlook

The first drawing was quick because we were all freezing and were struggling to draw. After, we walked back to the trail and made our way to the North Lookout. Along the way, we continued along the rocky terrain, and even climbed a staircase structured around the terraced stone. We continued to pass though the Hemlock – Northern Hardwood Forest and I noticed the bright greenish white moss and lichens growing along the ground cover.

expansive than the first and served as a great place to break for lunch.

As we ate, we could observe a few birds flying overheard. We overheard some of the bird watchers and believe that we may have seen a bald eagle and several red tailed hawks.

Grim’s Orchard

Unfortunately, during lunch, it began to hail, and the inclement weather prohibited us to continue along the rocky terrain. Lucky for us, the day was not cut short because we had a bit of an unconventional afternoon where we stopped to visit Grim’s Orchard. We spent about an hour apple picking in the orchard, visiting the little country store and stocking up on mini pumpkins and decorative gourds.

Final Thoughts

I was disappointed that our hike was cut short, but I think that we all really appreciated the afternoon of the Grim’s and having some time of decompression and normalcy in our chaotic school week.

North Lookout

The North Lookout was much more 119

Hawk Mountain | Pennsylvania |Blue Mountain Section, Ridge and Valley Province Trees

Eastern Hemlock

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Red Maple Acer rubrum

Red Oak Quercus rubra

Native

Native

Native

Description: drooping branches, feathery twigs, brown scaly fissured bark, evergreen needles, pine cones

Description: wide range, adapted to most soil and site conditions, brilliant red color in fall, flowers early in spring

Typical Height: 90’

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’

Description: deciduous alternate, elliptic leaves with 7 - 11 lobes, dark gray or black scaly bark with ridges, red or pink inner bark, single or groups of 2 - 5 acorns

Growing Conditions: areas of cool moist air; moist rocky ridges, valleys, ravines, hillsides, lakeshores, glacial ridges

Growing Conditions: adapted to wet sites, forested wetlands, drained moist soils, upland

Typical Height: 60’ - 90’ Growing Conditions: well drined slightly acidic sandy loam soils; most common on North and East facing slopes; well-drained uplands; lower and middle slopes, coves, ravines, valley floors

Tulip Tree

White Oak Quercus alba

Liriodendron tulipifera

White Pine Pinus strobus

Native

Native

Native

Description: smooth tulip shaped alternate simple leaves, light green-yellow flowers, thick bark with interlacing furrows and narrow ridges

Description: simple and alternate simple lobed leaves, whitish or light gray scaly to ridged bark, acorns

Description: needles in groups in 5, dark bark with furrows,

Typical Height: 20’ - 35’ Growing Conditions: acidic, well drained soil, tolerates urban conditions

Typical Height: 100’ Growing Conditions: coarse, deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils,

Typical Height: 80’ - 100’ Growing Conditions: light, sandy to heavy textured soils

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Figure 14: Hawk Mountain Field Sketch

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References Plant Identification

Illustrations

-Arbor Day Foundation

-All illustrations by Cari Krol unless otherwise noted

- Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest -Penn State University Extension

Photographs -All photographs taken by Cari Krol

-Peterson Field Guides: A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs: Northeastern and Northcentral United States and Southeastern and Southcentral Canada -The Sibley Guide to Trees -Yale University Nature Walk -US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Database

Cari Krol University of Pennsylvania, PennDesign LARP511 Workshop 1: Ecology and Built Landscapes, Fall 2017