Shagbark Hickory is not a common tree in our area. With age, the dark gray bark separates into long plates, free at their lower ends or at both ends. giving the trunk a shaggy look. The rich moist soil in the forest at Marie Curtis Park is perfect for it.

Marie Curtis Park has an area (which I call an orchard) of waist-high, fruit-laden Poison Ivy plants.

Songbirds eat these white berries and deer graze on the leaves. Humans only the only creatures affected negatively by this plant.

Other botany:

Some birds:

Park views:

8am group:

11:30am group:

NATURE POETRY

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree. – Joyce Kilmer

Miles Hearn