Took a stroll through the old-growth woods at Spring Mill State Park with my brother yesterday. 8)
One of the first things we came upon in a prescribed burn area outside the old-growth area. A large patch of Prairie Dock.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image_3.jpg)
A short walk further down the trail along some steep cliffs and crossing a road, we entered the Donaldson Woods Nature Preserve which is the old-growth area. The air changed abruptly when entering - very still, slightly more humid and a peaty aroma - the still air and humidity likely contributed to it feeling slightly warmer as well.
Pawpaw are very plentiful here. The understory was like a miniature "Indiana Banana" plantation in some parts.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image_1%7E3.jpg)
Pretty good sized Oak tree near the path. Seeing how small I make the tree look, it might be time to watch my diet! ;)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image_1.jpg)
A panoramic picture that shows everything from the ferns to the canopy.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image%7E1.jpg)
There are also some pretty good sized Hickories.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image_1%7E2.jpg)
Mitchell Karst Plain common feature: water filled cave! This is a view of Twin Caves.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image%7E5.jpg)
Near the end of the trail.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/32720/image%7E4.jpg)
Definitely enjoyable and worth seeing if you like to be in the woods!
I had the pleasure of visiting Spring Mill State Park a few years ago. I only took a short walk in the woods , but did see the water powered grismill and the water powered sawmill.
I've been multiple times and have yet to see the Pioneer Village. The woods draw me in before I get back there. :D
Nice pictures and be willing to bet a great time! Can you or anyone else tell me, what you call Prairie Dock, is that what we call Sour dock? Looks to be about the same plant.
That hickory on the right was sure a big one :D Good stuff ancjr.
They say the nut doesn't fall far from the tree...
:D
Quote from: sandhills on July 12, 2013, 10:07:24 PM
Nice pictures and be willing to bet a great time! Can you or anyone else tell me, what you call Prairie Dock, is that what we call Sour dock? Looks to be about the same plant.
I did a search and researched several sites about Spring Mill and was led to a consensus of it being "Prairie Dock" which is Silphium terebinthinaceum - the USDA Plants site lists "prairie rosinweed" as an alternate name
Looking up "Sour Dock" leads me to Rumex crispus - which does indeed look very similar.
If it were flowering, it would definitely be a surer guess which one it truly was.
A nice walk and nice pictures.
Quote from: ancjr on July 12, 2013, 10:53:56 PM
Quote from: sandhills on July 12, 2013, 10:07:24 PM
Nice pictures and be willing to bet a great time! Can you or anyone else tell me, what you call Prairie Dock, is that what we call Sour dock? Looks to be about the same plant.
I did a search and researched several sites about Spring Mill and was led to a consensus of it being "Prairie Dock" which is Silphium terebinthinaceum - the USDA Plants site lists "prairie rosinweed" as an alternate name
Looking up "Sour Dock" leads me to Rumex crispus - which does indeed look very similar.
If it were flowering, it would definitely be a surer guess which one it truly was.
Looks like horseradish to me ;D 8)