Welcome to the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek’s 'You Can Trail'. This innovative half-mile sensory trail has been designed to cater to individuals of all abilities, offering a unique opportunity to explore and understand the rich ecosystem that has developed in this area over the years.
This project has been made possible through generous funding from local Lions Clubs, the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation, and ACMH Hospital Foundation’s Medical Staff Fund. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this inclusive outdoor experience to life.
The trail features a guide rope system on the left side, allowing visitors to navigate the course safely and independently. Along the way, you'll encounter 22 QR code plates mounted on guide posts below the rope. These plates provide in-depth interpretive information about various points of interest, enhancing the educational aspect of your visit.
As you embark on your journey, you'll discover two distinct ecological conditions. The trail begins in a mature mixed hardwood forest, showcasing species like Red Maple, Black Cherry, and Tulip Poplar. As you progress, you'll transition into an area that was once agricultural land, now home to planted coniferous trees and emerging native hardwoods.
We'd like to extend our gratitude to the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Master Naturalists of Armstrong County, Mrs. Kay Owen, and several local businesses that contributed materials and services at great prices, including: Frazier Bros. Hardware, Schroth Lumber, and T. Peters Construction. Their support has been crucial in bringing this project to fruition.
Special thanks also go to the students of the Lenape Technical School Advertising and Digital Design Program and others who lent their talents to create the audio content for this trail. Their voice recording and editing skills have greatly enhanced the visitor experience. Last but certainly not least, our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to Mr. Dave Beale for selflessly envisioning these enhancements to the You Can Trail. This project would not have been possible without his leadership.
We invite you to take your time, engage your senses, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the You Can Trail. Whether you're here to learn about local flora and fauna, enjoy a peaceful walk in nature, or experience the outdoors in a new way, we hope this trail provides an enriching and memorable experience for all.
For more information about the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, please visit www.armstrongcenter.org.
As you step into the initial stretch of the trail, you find yourself surrounded by a mature mixed hardwood forest, a testament to the land's transformation from farmland abandonment in the late 1930s. Look up, and you'll witness a canopy dominated by Red Maple, Black Cherry, Tulip Poplar, Red Oak, Black Walnut, Sassafras, and Black Gum. The understory reveals saplings of these species alongside Spicebush, Flowering Dogwood, Multi Flora Rose, Autumn Olive, and Privet.
Beneath your feet lies a terrace deposit, its upper horizon has scattered rounded pebbles, remnants of a time when the Allegheny River, at a higher elevation during the ice ages, deposited this material. Take a moment to connect with the ancient history embedded in the soil beneath you.
The Red Maple is the most common tree species found in Pennsylvania. Known for its aggressive nature, this tree readily colonizes abandoned fields, clearings, and reclaimed strip mines, making it a resilient and adaptable presence in the landscape.
As the season changes, Red Maples become a breathtaking sight, painting the woods with their stunning fall colors. The leaves display red, orange, and yellow colors sometimes showcasing all three hues on a single leaf. This spectacular display is complemented by the tree's red blossoms and buds that adorn the twigs in the spring, giving the Red Maple its distinctive name.
In late spring, the Red Maple produces seeds that serve as a food source for various wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and wild turkeys. These tiny nutritious morsels contribute to the overall ecosystem's balance and sustain the diverse fauna that call these forests home.
While not as concentrated as its cousin, the Sugar Maple, the sap from Red Maples is often harvested and used to produce maple syrup, adding to the region's culinary traditions and local economy.
The wood of the Red Maple is versatile and valuable, finding its way into furniture manufacturing, paneling, railroad ties, and pallets. While its economic value may be slightly lower than that of the Sugar Maple, the Red Maple's role in the forest ecosystem is no less significant.
Young Red Maple seedlings and stump sprouts provide an excellent source of browse for white-tailed deer, further highlighting the species' importance in sustaining the region's wildlife. The prolific tendency to sprout accounts for this species dominance in Pennsylvania's forests.
The Black Walnut is a true gem among the trees found in Pennsylvania. Renowned as one of the most valuable tree species in the world, its rich, dark brown wood is highly prized for its exceptional beauty and versatility. Throughout history, this wood has been used for a wide range of applications, from exquisite furniture and paneling to decorative accents and the crafting of traditional gun stocks.
In most areas of Armstrong County, Black Walnut trees are often found on or near former farmsteads where they were intentionally cultivated for their unique and flavorful nuts. The highest quality Black Walnut wood is produced by trees that grow on well-drained, lower slopes, where the deep and fertile soils provide ideal growing conditions.
The Black Walnut tree on display has the characteristics of a high-quality specimen. With its straight trunk and well-developed crown, it exemplifies the potential for exceptional timber quality. Given another 20 to 30 years of growth, this tree will likely meet the standards for premium Black Walnut wood, prized distinctive color.
As you admire this Black Walnut tree, take a moment to appreciate its historical significance and the valuable contributions it has made to both the economy and the rich heritage of Armstrong County. Its presence serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, where the cultivation of valuable resources has shaped the landscape.
The Shingle Oak stands out as an unusual specimen among the Red Oak family, captivating observers with its unique leaf characteristics. While most of its leaves take on an elliptical shape, reminiscent of the Black Cherry tree, some still exhibit the classic lobed oak leaf form. However, all of the leaves share the bristle-tipped lobes that are characteristic of Red Oak species.
The acorns produced by the Shingle Oak are relatively small, approximately the size of a fingernail, but they are highly prized by local wildlife, serving as a valuable food source for various animals.
Western Pennsylvania lies on the eastern edge of the Shingle Oak's native range, making its presence in the region a testament to the tree's adaptability and resilience.
Interestingly, the twigs of the Shingle Oak often play host to a curious phenomenon known as "Woods Galls." These bulbous growths are formed when certain species of wasps lay their eggs within the twigs, initiating a reaction that causes the surrounding plant tissue to swell and envelop the eggs. While visually striking, these galls do not appear to significantly impact the overall health or growth of the tree.
The name "Shingle Oak" has its roots in the early settlers of the Midwest, who recognized the unique properties of this tree's wood and utilized it to create split shingles for their homes and structures. This practical application highlights the diverse ways in which humans have found value in the resources provided by the natural world.
The dead snag standing before you is a somber reminder of the devastating impact the Emerald Ash Borer has had on the White Ash species throughout the eastern United States. This insect, an invasive pest, has decimated ash populations across the region, and the remnants you see here are a testament to its destructive power.
The adult Emerald Ash Borer lays its eggs in the bark of mature ash trees, and the larvae, or grubs, feed on the cambium layer just beneath the surface. This feeding behavior effectively girdles the tree, cutting off its essential nutrient and water transport systems, ultimately leading to its demise. The "squiggly" channels visible on the surface of this snag are the telltale signs of these feeding galleries demonstrating the insect's devastating impact.
Despite the grim reality of the White Ash's decline, there is hope for a possible rebound. Occasional live adult ash trees can still be found scattered throughout the forests of Armstrong County, and numerous seedlings and saplings offer promise for the species' future. These younger trees are not yet targets for the Emerald Ash Borer, allowing them to grow and potentially repopulate the area over time.
Historically, the White Ash was a preferred species for the manufacture of baseball bats, hockey sticks, and tool handles due to its strength and durability. However, in the wake of the ash borer's devastation, Red Maple has become a common substitute for baseball bats, and synthetic materials have largely replaced ash for tool handles.
Interestingly, Crooked Creek Park in Armstrong County was one of the earliest sites to witness an outbreak of the Emerald Ash Borer. This rapid spread is likely due to the inadvertent introduction of the insect through firewood brought in by campers, highlighting the importance of responsible practices when transporting wood products.
As you stand before this dead snag, reflect on the resilience of nature and the delicate balance that exists within our ecosystems. While the White Ash has faced immense challenges, its perseverance and the efforts of conservationists offer hope that this species may one day reclaim its former place in the forests of the eastern United States.
Poison Ivy is a woody vine native to Pennsylvania, but it's important to admire this plant from a safe distance. The leaves and sap of the vines contain an oil that can produce an itchy rash on human skin. The leaves are arranged in clusters of three, and they often have a shiny appearance due to the presence of the very oil that can cause irritation.
All parts of the Poison Ivy plant contain this oil, making it essential to avoid direct contact with any part of the plant.
Poison Ivy can grow in three distinct forms:
1. As a vine with vertical, herbaceous shoots bearing three-leafed clusters.
2. As a short shrub reaching about three feet in height, with side shoots and stems also displaying the characteristic three-leaf clusters.
3. As a hairy vine that climbs trees, with side shoots bearing the familiar trio of leaves.
Despite its potential to cause discomfort in humans, Poison Ivy plays an important role in the ecosystem. It produces heavy crops of white berries, which serve as a food source for various wildlife species without causing any ill effects.
While it's essential to exercise caution and follow the wise advice of "leaves of three, let it be," Poison Ivy contributes to the stunning display of fall foliage in the region. Its leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding to the autumnal palette that adorns the landscape.
As you explore the trails of Armstrong County, appreciate the beauty of Poison Ivy from a safe distance. Admire its colors, but resist the temptation to touch, ensuring that you can enjoy the natural wonders without experiencing any unpleasant side effects.
The Spicebush is a native woody shrub that often grows in dense clumps, creating a formidable presence in the forest understory. In the area before you, this shrub has taken over much of the lower canopy, forming a barrier that prevents other species from becoming established in this particular forest stand.
One of the distinctive features of the Spicebush is its aromatic inner bark, which emits a spicy fragrance. This shrub is also known for being one of the earliest bloomers in our woodlands, with its flowers appearing in early April. When present in large colonies, the fine yellow blossoms create a hazy, golden glow.
In late August and September, the Spicebush produces clusters of bright red berries, which serve as a valuable food source for a variety of bird species. As these berries drop to the ground, they continue to provide sustenance for wild turkeys and other ground-dwelling birds well into the early spring months.
Interestingly, the Spicebush is not palatable to deer, which allows it to outcompete other woody species in the understory. This condition often prevents the establishment of a more diverse forest community, as the Spicebush's dominance can limit the growth of other plant species.
This shrub exhibits a unique characteristic known as dioecy, where separate male and female plants exist within the population.
The Black Cherry is one of the most important commercial timber trees in the United States, and its lumber is in high demand around the world. The highest quality Black Cherry timber is typically sourced from the woodlands of northwestern Pennsylvania, where the trees thrive in ideal conditions. The Allegheny National Forest produces some of the best Black Cherry wood products.
In Armstrong County, Black Cherry often takes on the role of a "pioneer" species, colonizing abandoned farmlands and establishing itself in these areas. While the quality of Black Cherry timber in Armstrong County may not always reach the exceptional standards found in forests located 75 miles or more to the north, the species still plays a role in the region's ecosystem and economy.
Beyond its economic value, Black Cherry is an essential tree for local wildlife. As the tree matures, it produces a heavy crop of black cherries in September, providing a food source for numerous bird species, including songbirds and game birds, particularly the wild turkey. This annual fruit crop also sustains various mammalian species, such as black bears, raccoons, and opossums.
One distinctive characteristic of the Black Cherry is its bark, which takes on the appearance of burnt potato chips on trees with diameters of approximately 8 inches or larger. This unique bark texture makes the tree easy to identify.
As you reach the end of the first ecotype, prepare to descend into the second type of ecosystem. This land, once agricultural before the Corp. of Engineers project at Crooked Creek, saw 10-15 feet of its upper horizons repurposed as fill for the dam in the late 1930s. The result? A transformed landscape, now home to planted coniferous tree species such as White Pine, Jack Pine, Norway Spruce, and White Spruce.
Nature, resilient as ever, is orchestrating a change in this disturbed area. The coniferous pioneers are dying out and making way for native hardwoods like Tulip Poplar, Red Maple, and Red Oak. The story of this transition is further detailed on QR Plates distributed around the trail. A total of 22 QR Plates, each mounted on the guide post below the guide rope, provide in-depth insights into the species you encounter, providing an enriching experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Whether you're admiring the vibrant canopy or engaging with the historical layers beneath your feet, the You Can Trail provides witness of the interconnection of these two ecological systems.
The Tulip Poplar is a magnificent tree found throughout the forests of Pennsylvania, favoring select growing sites that allow it to thrive. This species prefers fertile, well-drained soils on terrace deposits and east-facing slopes, where it can take full advantage of the morning sun. If growing on slopes facing other directions, the Tulip Poplar tends to favor lower elevations to optimize its growing conditions.
One of the distinctive features of this tree is its unique leaf shape, resembling a tulip flower, which gives the Tulip Poplar its name. With its tall and straight stature, the tree can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Brightly colored blossoms in shades of yellow and orange are produced in late May and early June. These prolific flowers can be challenging to spot, as they are often hidden within the crowns of older, towering specimens.
The Tulip Poplar is a commercially valuable species, prized for its wood, which is easy to work with and can be stained to mimic the appearance of various hardwood species. This versatility has made the timber of this tree sought after in various industries, contributing to the economic significance of Pennsylvania's forests.
Approximately twenty feet from this post, you'll find a Chestnut tree, specifically an Oriental Chestnut variety, planted here sometime after the original soil was removed during the construction of the dam. This introduced species, while unable to match the grandeur of the native American Chestnut, serves as a reminder of the once-dominant tree that graced the forests of Armstrong County.
The American Chestnut was a true giant among trees, reaching diameters exceeding five feet and towering heights over 100 feet. It was a significant component of the original forests in this region, playing a role in the ecosystem and providing edible nuts for both wildlife and humans. The wood of the American Chestnut was decay resistant, straight grained and easily worked. It had a light brown color and was used for shingles, siding, and furniture.
The American Chestnut population was decimated by a devastating fungal blight. However, hope remains for the future of this species. Although the original American Chestnut trees have been reduced to surviving from roots and stump sprouts, eventually succumbing to the blight, ongoing genetic research has yielded promising results.
Scientists have developed strains of the American Chestnut that demonstrate resistance to the lethal fungus, offering the possibility of reintroducing this tree to its native habitat. This work represents a remarkable collaboration between researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts, driven by a shared desire to restore a piece of our region's natural heritage.
Imagine the day when the American Chestnut, once a towering presence in these forests, could be reestablished, reclaiming its place in the ecosystem and providing a living testament to the power of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of ecological challenges.
The Jack Pine you see before you is a planted species native to the lake states region, not indigenous to Pennsylvania. Its needles grow in bundles (fascicles) of two, giving them a moderately stiff appearance that distinguishes this tree from other conifers.
This species has a relatively limited lifespan, and the specimens you see here are nearing the end of their natural cycle.
In its native habitat, the Jack Pine plays a critical role in supporting a unique avian species called the Kirtland's Warbler. This migratory songbird depends entirely on the existence of Jack Pine forests for its survival, making the tree an essential component of the ecosystem in its natural range.
However, the Kirtland's Warbler is not found in Pennsylvania, as the state lies outside its migratory path and does not provide the necessary habitat for this species. Most plants and animals have a unique set of environmental requirements and ecological relationships that sustain their existence. This introduced species is not well-suited for the long term in this particular location.
The Autumn Olive is a shrub that was introduced to North America from Asia. It was initially brought to this region with the intention of providing a food source for wildlife, as it produces a heavy crop of orange or red berries annually.
Government agencies and conservation organizations widely planted Autumn Olive on state game lands and other sites, recognizing its potential to attract various bird and animal species. The berries are readily consumed by wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, ruffed grouse, songbirds, black bears, and raccoons, among others, making it an attractive choice for enhancing wildlife habitat.
However, the seeds contained within the berries are easily spread by birds and animals, leading to the establishment of new colonies of Autumn Olive in areas beyond its initial planting sites. This unintended consequence has raised concerns about the shrub's potential to outcompete native plant species and disrupt the local ecosystem.
Autumn Olive has been widely planted on reclaimed strip mine lands, where its hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions have made it a tool in the restoration of these disturbed sites.
Beyond its ecological implications, Autumn Olive berries can also be utilized to produce a unique and flavorful jelly, adding a culinary dimension to this introduced species.
As you encounter Autumn Olive along the trails, consider its complex role in the local environment. While it provides a valuable food source for wildlife, its ability to spread and establish dominance in some areas has demonstrated the importance of carefully managing introduced species and their potential impacts on native ecosystems.
You have reached a junction on the You Can Trail. To your left, a spur trail leads to the park annex, offering a chance to explore additional areas of the park or simply exit the trail system.
To your right, the main You Can Trail continues, leading you through the remainder of the course. If you proceed this way, you'll encounter several more station including Red Oak, Sassafras, Flowering Dogwood, and an ecological experiment in excluding deer from a part of the environment.
The White Pine stands tall as one of the three native conifer species found in Armstrong County, alongside the Eastern Hemlock, our state tree, and the Pitch Pine. On this particular tract of land, the White Pine is the sole representative of the area's native evergreen trees. The white pines here were planted.
During the late 1800s, the White Pine played a significant role in the logging boom that swept through northern Pennsylvania. Known for its rapid growth, this species can attain impressive diameters and heights, making it a valuable commercial timber resource in its heyday.
However, the White Pine's potential for monumental stature has been somewhat limited by two persistent challenges: White Pine blister rust and the White Pine weevil. These pests have prevented the species from reaching the remarkable sizes it once achieved in the past.
The needles of the White Pine are soft to the touch and arranged in bundles of five, known as fascicles. Each needle measures approximately 5 inches in length, contributing to the tree's distinctive appearance and helping to identify it within the forest.
As you explore the trails, take a moment to appreciate the presence of this majestic conifer. The White Pine serves as a living reminder of the rich natural heritage and diversity found within Armstrong County's forests. Its towering stature and evergreen beauty add a unique dimension to the landscape, making it an iconic and beloved species among both locals and visitors.
The Red Oak is a majestic tree with several distinctive features that set it apart in the forest. Its leaves are characterized by bristle tips and a shiny surface, while the terminal buds exhibit a scaled appearance. As the tree matures, its bark develops into smooth, elongated plates, giving the trunk a unique texture.
One interesting characteristic of the Red Oak is the color of its inner bark, which ranges from pink to a creamy hue. This inner bark is exposed when the tree sustains injuries or damage, providing a glimpse into its hidden hues.
The acorns produced by the Red Oak are large, often exceeding an inch in diameter. These acorns are highly prized by wildlife as a valuable food source. White-tailed deer and squirrels readily consume these acorns, although they tend to favor the acorns of the White Oak over the Red Oak when given a choice.
The wood of the Red Oak is in high demand around the world due to its exceptional qualities. It is widely used in the production of furniture, flooring, and paneling, adding warmth and character to various interior spaces. Lower-grade Red Oak is also utilized for practical applications such as railroad ties and pallets, making it a versatile resource.
In the case of higher-quality Red Oak trees, the wood is sought after for the production of thin sheets of veneer, which are used in the manufacturing of paneling and other decorative elements. The unique grain patterns and rich hues of Red Oak veneer make it a popular choice for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of various projects.
As you explore the trails and encounter these majestic Red Oaks, take a moment to appreciate their distinctive features, from the bristle-tipped leaves to the smooth, elongated bark. Imagine the contributions these trees have made to human society through their valuable timber, while also providing sustenance to the diverse wildlife that call the forest home.
The Norway Spruce is a tree that has been introduced from Europe and has thrived in its new environment, serving a variety of purposes. As an ornamental tree, a source for Christmas trees, wildlife cover, and a commercial timber species, the Norway Spruce has proven to be a highly successful addition to the local ecosystem.
This spruce species is characterized by its dark green needles, which are approximately half an inch long and have a stiff texture. One of the unique features of the Norway Spruce is the shade tolerance of its live branches, which can retain their needles even in dense shade, making it a resilient and adaptable tree.
The Norway Spruce has a tall, upright growth habit, and it can survive in dense stands, providing excellent cover for wildlife. Morning doves, in particular, are attracted to this species for nesting purposes, and the cones produced by the tree serve as a valuable source of seeds for these birds.
Stands of Norway Spruce also offer excellent winter shelter for white-tailed deer, providing a safe haven for these animals during the harsh winter months. This tree's ability to create dense cover makes it a valuable asset in supporting the local wildlife population.
In addition to its ecological benefits, the wood of the Norway Spruce is utilized for framing and sheeting in various construction projects, making it a commercially valuable species. Its versatility has also made it a popular choice for strip mine reclamation efforts, where its hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make it an ideal candidate for reforestation.
The cones produced by the Norway Spruce are another distinctive feature, with some growing up to an impressive 8 inches in length. These large, decorative cones can be used in various craft projects and arrangements, adding a touch of natural beauty to homes and public spaces.
As you encounter the Norway Spruce along the trails, appreciate its diverse contributions to the local environment. From providing wildlife habitat and shelter to its commercial applications and ornamental value, this introduced species has proven to be a versatile and valuable addition to the region's landscape.
The next station is up a side path leading to a deer exclosure installed in 2005. This fenced area, spanning one-tenth of an acre (66 feet by 66 feet), has been a critical component of our ecological study, designed to keep deer out and allow for a closer examination of the local ecosystem.
This fenced haven, established over 19 years ago, serves as a living laboratory, capturing the dynamic interactions between flora and fauna. The exclosure, maintained since its installation, offers a glimpse into the impacts of deer exclusion on the vegetation within. The primary purpose of this exclosure is to keep deer out, allowing us to observe and understand the natural regeneration and growth of vegetation undisturbed by deer browsing.
As you explore this side path, consider the role this exclosure plays in unraveling the mysteries of our local ecosystem. The information gathered here contributes to our broader understanding of the delicate balance between wildlife and plant life, shaping our conservation efforts for a sustainable future. Enjoy your exploration!
In 2005, two dedicated summer intern students, Greg Shustaick and Cullen Strine-Zuroski, working for the Armstrong Conservation District, initiated a significant project at the ODC Tract. Their proposal and subsequent installation of a 1/10th acre deer exclosure marked the beginning of an enduring study into the impacts of deer on the local ecosystem. Over the course of 19 years, this deer exclosure has stood as a tool for understanding the dynamics of the natural environment.
Inside the protective barrier, a community of saplings has emerged, showcasing the presence of Tulip Poplars, Black Cherry, Sassafras, Black Gum, and Red Maple. Conversely, these saplings are noticeably absent outside the fence.
The discrepancy in sapling growth between inside and outside suggests that deer browsing is impeding the regeneration of desirable hardwoods in the forest. This observation underscores the role of the exclosure in revealing the impact of deer on the ecosystem.
Remarkably, Japanese Stiltgrass, a troublesome invasive species, is notably absent inside the exclosure, offering a stark contrast to its presence in the surrounding area.
This absence points towards a connection between deer and human activities in the spread of Japanese Stiltgrass, indicating a role of both in the dissemination of this invasive plant.
Within the exclosure, Japanese Honeysuckle has established itself probably by bird droppings. None of this plant is found outside of the exclosure.
The presence of Japanese Honeysuckle within the exclosure indicates that deer browsing is acting as a barrier, preventing the spread of this invasive plant outside of the enclosure.
Multiflora Rose exhibits more vigorous growth inside the fence compared to its status outside.
This observation leads to the conclusion that deer are playing a role in controlling the growth of Multiflora Rose.
In summary, the deer exclosure at the ODC Tract, continues to yield insights into the intricate relationships between deer and the local ecosystem. These observations and conclusions underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to understand and manage the balance of plant life within the region. The deer are helping to control Multiflora Rose and possibly controlling the spread of Japanese Honeysuckle but are also limiting the growth of forest trees.
The Sassafras is a distinctive tree known for its small to medium size, though it can reach diameters exceeding 30 inches under ideal conditions. In the forests of Armstrong County, however, few Sassafras trees have attained diameters greater than 20 inches. This is due to the tree's intolerance of shade, which makes it easily outcompeted by hardier species such as the Red Maple, which can thrive in shadier environments.
The Sassafras reproduces through both seed dispersal and root sprouts, allowing it to create "clone" colonies that share genetic identities. This strategy contributes to the tree's resilience and ability to persist in challenging environments. Additionally, the Sassafras is a preferred browse species for deer, indicating its importance as a food source for local wildlife.
One of the most unique features of the Sassafras is its diverse array of leaf shapes. The same tree can produce leaves in four distinct forms: an elliptical shape, a mitten shape with a right thumb, a mitten shape with a left thumb, and a fleur-de-lis shape with two thumbs. This remarkable variability in leaf morphology adds to the tree's visual appeal and helps distinguish it from other species in the forest.
The wood of the Sassafras is relatively soft and easily worked, with a beautiful tan color and pronounced grain patterns. This wood is also known for its natural decay resistance, making it a durable material for various applications. Additionally, the roots of the Sassafras are prized for their ability to produce a flavorful tea, adding to the tree's cultural and culinary significance.
As you explore the trails of Armstrong County, keep an eye out for Sassafras trees and their distinctive leaf shapes. Appreciate the resilience of this species and its ability to persist despite the challenges posed by shade-tolerant competitors. Remember, the Sassafras is not only a fascinating botanical specimen but also a contributor to the local ecosystem, providing food for wildlife and unique natural resources for human use.
The Multiflora Rose is a widespread invasive plant that was introduced to the United States from Asia. Despite its current status as a problematic invader, this thorny shrub was initially promoted by government agencies for various purposes.
In the prairie states, Multiflora Rose was used as a windbreak to help reduce soil erosion and duststorms caused by wind. It was also introduced as a natural fence for livestock, taking advantage of its thorny nature to serve as a living barrier. In Pennsylvania, government agencies planted Multiflora Rose in rows to provide food and cover for game birds and other animals.
One of the key characteristics of Multiflora Rose is its ability to spread rapidly through root shoots. When the tips of its shoots touch the ground, they can sprout and create larger colonies, making it a formidable invader. The plant's bright red berries are also spread by birds and animals, further contributing to its dispersal.
In recent decades, a disease known as Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) has been introduced to control Multiflora Rose populations. This virus has infected almost all Multiflora Rose colonies in the area. While the disease can kill the plants, the Multiflora Rose appears to spread faster than the disease can eradicate it, making it a persistent challenge.
Despite its invasive nature, the Multiflora Rose serves as a reminder of the complex history of species introductions and the often unintended consequences that can arise. It is essential to consider the long-term impacts of introducing non-native species to a region, as they can disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems and outcompete native flora.
As you encounter Multiflora Rose along the trails, observe its thorny branches and bright red berries, but be mindful of its invasive status. Consider the lessons learned from its introduction and the ongoing efforts to manage its spread, as they highlight the importance of responsible stewardship and the protection of native biodiversity.
The Flowering Dogwood is a common shrub found throughout Pennsylvania, known for its striking beauty and ecological significance. As one of five species of Dogwood shrubs present in this area, it holds a special place in the local ecosystem. This shrub reaches heights of 15 feet.
In the spring, the Flowering Dogwood displays showy white blossoms that appear in May.
Following the blossoming period, clusters of red berries form in the fall, providing a food source for various bird species. These berries are highly sought after by avian visitors, making the Flowering Dogwood an important contributor to the local food web.
While the Flowering Dogwood blossoms tend to be more abundant on shrubs that receive ample sunlight, this species is also shade-tolerant and can thrive in the dappled shade provided by overstory trees. This adaptability allows it to persist in a variety of forest environments, adding to its resilience and ecological importance.
Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, the Flowering Dogwood has suffered from a disease that has impacted populations in this area. As a result, it is not as prolific as it once was.
In the past Flowering Dogwood was used in golf club heads, shoe lasts, spindles and other uses requiring small very hard materials. These functions have been replaced by plastics.
This trail is a product of work by local Lions clubs and funded in part by a grant from the Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation.