Shadblow Serviceberry Bark
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Photo: Pasture Hawthorn Tree
Pasture Hawthorn TreeAlso known as Littlehip Hawthorn, and Small-Fruit Hawthorn
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Overton Park Arboretum Review
Old Forest Trail Arboretum
Overton Park, Memphis
Location: Poplar Ave. & Veterans Plaza Drive, Memphis, Tennessee (MAP)
Contact Info: Park Friends Inc. http://www.parkfriends.net/
Date Visited: 12-18-2008
I stopped to visit the arboretum one cool December morning while passing through Memphis, TN. I was excited to visit this particular park because of the ex-National Champion Shumard Oak that is recorded as living within the grounds. To say that I was not happy with my visit to Overton Park is understatement of gargantuan proportions. The words furious, disgusted and terrified come to mind.
As I pulled into the parking lot a man in a truck was leaving opposite me. He stared at me in an especially creepy way. I ignored the stranger and exited my car and approached the sign to review the park information. As I read the sign the truck re-entered the parking lot and backed into a parking spot. The man sat in his truck staring at me. I considered leaving, but decided to venture forward down the path through the arboretum.
I hesitated for a moment at the entrance. It was anything but inviting and I once again questioned returning to my car. I decided to once again go onward. I passed through the graffiti gates and down the street beyond. Along the edge of the street a small foot worn trail split off into the woods. It did not appear to be a formal trail, but no other entrances seemed obvious.
Overton Park, Memphis
Location: Poplar Ave. & Veterans Plaza Drive, Memphis, Tennessee (MAP)
Contact Info: Park Friends Inc. http://www.parkfriends.net/
Date Visited: 12-18-2008
I stopped to visit the arboretum one cool December morning while passing through Memphis, TN. I was excited to visit this particular park because of the ex-National Champion Shumard Oak that is recorded as living within the grounds. To say that I was not happy with my visit to Overton Park is understatement of gargantuan proportions. The words furious, disgusted and terrified come to mind.
As I pulled into the parking lot a man in a truck was leaving opposite me. He stared at me in an especially creepy way. I ignored the stranger and exited my car and approached the sign to review the park information. As I read the sign the truck re-entered the parking lot and backed into a parking spot. The man sat in his truck staring at me. I considered leaving, but decided to venture forward down the path through the arboretum.
I hesitated for a moment at the entrance. It was anything but inviting and I once again questioned returning to my car. I decided to once again go onward. I passed through the graffiti gates and down the street beyond. Along the edge of the street a small foot worn trail split off into the woods. It did not appear to be a formal trail, but no other entrances seemed obvious.
As I progressed down the trail I came upon the first tree. "OFT Ironwood" the sign read. I took OFT to mean Old Forest Trail. No scientific nomenclature defined the tree any further. As I pulled my camera out and began taking photos the man from the parking lot walked into view. He approached me directly, eyes locked on. I asked him, "can I help you?"...perhaps he lost his dog, maybe he wants to ask a question about the trees? He gave me a little smile and considered the question. When he spoke it was quietly, almost a whisper "No...you cant help me" and he said and slowly walked past. At this point it suddenly became clear what he was looking for and I decide to promptly exit the park. I returned to my car and as I exited the parking lot I could see him walking back to his truck to await the next visitor.
It wasn't until later that I read that the park is a known location for male prostitution. Failing to ignore my earlier intuitions resulted in an uncomfortable situation that could have turned out worse. I suggest always using safe practices when visiting unknown places alone. Always let someone know where you are going, and when possible bring a cell phone or friend.
Further exploration of Overton Park will have to wait until another day. From what I observed the park is poorly maintained, the tree identification markers are inadequate, and the crime may be high.
Observed Trees:
Ironwood
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Kentucky and Alabama Arboretum and Gardens
Updates to the Arboretum map. Kentucky and Alabama have been thoroughly updated with multiple locations for each state.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Arkansas Arboretum Review
Arkansas Arboretum
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Location: 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road Little Rock, AR 72223 (MAP)
Hours: 6:30 AM to 1 hour after sunset
Contact Info: Phone 501-868-5806
Downloads: Park Map, Trail Map, Butterfly Checklist
Date Visited: 12-18-2008
I visited the Arkansas Arboretum in December of 2008. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, where the arboretum is located, is just outside of the city of Little Rock. Access to the park is free and the arboretum is on the Arkansas Trail inside of the park. The sign above is clearly visible from the road and directs you into a large parking lot.
There is a large bulletin board at the trail head with park maps, brochures, and posted information. Unfortunately, when I was visiting there were no arboretum maps or tree lists specific to this trail.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Location: 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road Little Rock, AR 72223 (MAP)
Hours: 6:30 AM to 1 hour after sunset
Contact Info: Phone 501-868-5806
Downloads: Park Map, Trail Map, Butterfly Checklist
Date Visited: 12-18-2008
I visited the Arkansas Arboretum in December of 2008. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, where the arboretum is located, is just outside of the city of Little Rock. Access to the park is free and the arboretum is on the Arkansas Trail inside of the park. The sign above is clearly visible from the road and directs you into a large parking lot.
There is a large bulletin board at the trail head with park maps, brochures, and posted information. Unfortunately, when I was visiting there were no arboretum maps or tree lists specific to this trail.The trail itself is paved with asphalt and is currently in good condition making this park very handicap accessible. It was an early winter morning when I visited, so I saw no other people during my entire walk through the arboretum. The area is somewhat remote so I encourage bringing a friend, carrying a cell phone, or letting someone know where you will be.
The tree markers are beautifully detailed with common tree names, an elevation of the tree, leaf detail, description, and map. (in addition some contain flower, fruit, and seed details). My major complaint is that there are no scientific names on these tree markers. Other trees throughout the arboretum had laminated paper name tags (with common and scientific names) affixed to the tree trunks, but those were in a state of decline.
The trail is supposed to simulate the various regions of Arkansas and the trees that grow in those regions. Information signs are located throughout the trail to keep you updated with what you are viewing.
Observed Trees
The tree markers are beautifully detailed with common tree names, an elevation of the tree, leaf detail, description, and map. (in addition some contain flower, fruit, and seed details). My major complaint is that there are no scientific names on these tree markers. Other trees throughout the arboretum had laminated paper name tags (with common and scientific names) affixed to the tree trunks, but those were in a state of decline.
The trail is supposed to simulate the various regions of Arkansas and the trees that grow in those regions. Information signs are located throughout the trail to keep you updated with what you are viewing. Overall the arboretum is quite mature and densely forested. Visitors have the opportunity to observe trees as they would appear in native woodland conditions. The trail is fairly short, just over half a mile with some slope. Casual walkers can expect to spend an hour walking the loop.
Observed Trees
Aralia spinosa - Devil's Walkingstick
Callicarpa americana - American Beautyberry
Nyssa aquatica - Water Tupelo
Vaccinium arboreum - Farkleberry
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wyoming Arboreta and Gardens
Statistically speaking Wyoming visitors are rare things at EarlyForest.com. I don't know if it is the relative lack of tree diversity in Wyoming, or if it is comparably low population of the state. I am not one to slip into depression or panic over such things, but rather take action to remedy the situation. So now I present to you (sound the trumpets)....Arboreta and Gardens of Wyoming!
Okay, so I seem to have run into some problems here... arboreta and botanical gardens in Wyoming are scarce at best (see Tennessee or Texas for comparison). I was able to locate the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. (See EarlyForest Arboretum Map for location), but all other locations elude me at this time. I would point out the National Park of Yellowstone, but I try to avoid listing parks to focus on places where trees are identified for visitors (although I would like to assume that somewhere in Yellowstone a nature center has some information on trees in the park.) If you have any information about trees in Wyoming and places people may go to learn about them please share.
Okay, so I seem to have run into some problems here... arboreta and botanical gardens in Wyoming are scarce at best (see Tennessee or Texas for comparison). I was able to locate the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. (See EarlyForest Arboretum Map for location), but all other locations elude me at this time. I would point out the National Park of Yellowstone, but I try to avoid listing parks to focus on places where trees are identified for visitors (although I would like to assume that somewhere in Yellowstone a nature center has some information on trees in the park.) If you have any information about trees in Wyoming and places people may go to learn about them please share.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Early Forest Listed in Top 100 Botany Blogs List
Christina Laun at Online College Blog posted an article listing 100 of the best botany themed blogs online. The article, Top 100 Botany Blogs, gives a link and brief description of each blog in 10 different categories. I am pleased to say that EarlyForest.com is on the list under Photos. (I may have listed it under Trees, but Photos makes sense too).
Some of my favorite blogs can be found here including Exploring the World of Trees, Arboreality, treeblog, Tree Notes, and Eucalytologics. I have also noticed that there are a whole new collection of blogs that I have never heard of. It should be a lot of fun exploring the list.
Some of my favorite blogs can be found here including Exploring the World of Trees, Arboreality, treeblog, Tree Notes, and Eucalytologics. I have also noticed that there are a whole new collection of blogs that I have never heard of. It should be a lot of fun exploring the list.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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