David Foote with the new Clinton Nature Trail sign.
Stephen Foote and Barbara Schollmeyer
Ben Covell and Doug Woolever volunteers from Troop 37
David working hard at the trail.
Start of the Stream Loop.
1 American Elm (Ulmus americana)
1 American Elm (Ulmus americana) These magnificent trees, known to grow as high as 130 feet and once found from southern Canada to Florida, are environmentally and historically significant. Light gray, barked trees with ridges, they have pointed-edged leaves one to three inches in length that grow in rows of two. Seed-producing trees, they provide food for birds and animals, and the wood is valued for lumber. Elms were council trees used by the Indians, who would meet beneath the branches, frequently making treaties with the early settlers. Hundreds of thousands of elms have died since 1930 due to the fungus blight called Dutch elm disease. Work is underway to reestablish disease-resistant elms.
2 Stream View The stream is alive, home to many species such as turtles, frogs, fish, and different types of insects. The surrounding area abounds with wildlife. If you are very quiet and watch carefully, you may see deer and different types of birds. Close your eyes. What do you hear?
3 Common Apple (Malus sylvestris) Introduced from Europe and West Asia, these trees have short, gray, scaly trunks and rounded crowns. The leaves are two to three and a half inches long with woolly, soft hair on its new shoots, the leaves’ undersides and stems. In early spring, showy, white blossoms with tinges of pink appear, and by late summer produce fruit. Jonathan Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed (1774-1845), encouraged the growth of apple trees by obtaining seeds from cider presses and giving them to people to plant. His efforts helped in the establishment of orchards from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Through centuries of development and hybrids, the apple is available in many varieties, and is enjoyed by both humans and wildlife.
4 Hawthorn (Crataegus) These small trees that appear more like shrubs grow up to 30 feet high and thrive in moist soil. In late spring, they produce showy white blossoms. Nutlets provide a food source for birds and animals, as well as the leaves that deer enjoy consuming.
5 Riparian Buffer An area of land found along bodies of water and watercourses such as stream banks, these buffers are important to the environment. The presence of water influences the type of vegetation and soil. Typically found in low areas with high ground water, riparian areas are frequently nutrient-rich ecosystems supporting shallow and deeper-rooted vegetation. When the vegetation dies and decomposes, nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium return to the water and are absorbed by living vegetation. When riparian vegetation falls into the water, it can support varied food webs not only in its immediate location, but further downstream as well, by the water transporting organic matter. Woody and rooted plants overhanging banks provide a habitat for fish, reduces erosion, and traps sediment, keeping the stream cleaner for aquatic organisms eaten by fish and birds. Wildlife frequently uses riparian areas during migrations.
Trees and plants in the riparian buffer stabilize stream banks and reduce the velocity of water flow, thus increasing the time available to absorb water into the soil, which is stored and used by the plants. Human changes to the environment can devastate a riparian area. Man-made dams, levees and other methods used to change the flow of water, can destroy the riparian buffer by depriving it of the water it needs to exist. The condition of its watershed determines the character of the riparian area.
6 Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) These trees derive their unusual name from the appearance of their nut clusters, which resemble hops, a beer ingredient. Growing 20 to 50 feet tall, the trees have yellow-green leaves 2 to 5 inches long, with saw-toothed edges, and light-brown bark. Also known as “Ironwood”, this very hard wood is used for such items as fence posts. Wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and pheasants consume its nutlets and buds.
7 Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) Found in forests with oaks and other varieties of hickory trees, pignut hickories with their light gray bark grow 60-80 feet high. In early spring, they bear small green flowers before light green 6-10 inch long leaves appear. Given their name by early settlers due to hogs that consumed their nuts, the settlers also called them “Broom Hickory” for use of the wood for brooms. The lumber is valued in manufacturing skis and tool handles.
8 Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)
8 Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) Growing to 150 feet, these abundant trees are identifiable by their gray bark which breaks off at the middle and curls at the ends giving them a shaggy appearance. During the spring, they produce large quantities of pollen before leaves appear. Indians used the trees’ nuts in baking. Perhaps one of the toughest trees, early pioneers used the wood for barrel hoops, cabin door hinges, axe handles and for other uses. Today the trees continue as a natural resource to wildlife and humans.
9 Flood Relief Channel When areas along streams have a history of flooding from excessive rain, and during the spring when snow and ice thaw, natural channels divert the water by running parallel to the main channel. Floodways serve many functions, not only by protecting homes and roadways from floods, but also by helping to prevent devastating erosion which can destroy trees, plants, wildlife and their habitats.
10 Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) These plants are identifiable by their leaves that are frequently red, growing in clusters of three and having an oily, shiny appearance. The berries are gray when ripe. The spreading plants can be found growing in such places as on trees, stone walls, or as bushes. Direct contact results in an itchy, inflamed rash.
11 American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
11 American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) Most often found growing near streams, these trees can grow over 100 feet high. With leaves that are similar to maples, the peeling bark on these trees reveals new bark growing underneath, which causes the trees to have light-colored patches. Sycamores are also called buttonwoods for the round fruit they produce. In years past, lumber from sycamores was used for such purposes as railroad cars, barrels, paneling and furniture.
12 Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
12 Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) More commonly found near streams, these hardy trees grow 50-80 feet tall. With brownish-gray, smooth bark covering their short trunks, their heart-shaped leaves also provide for identification. Their distinct 8-18 inches long and 1/2-5/8 inches in diameter seeds lend them the name “Indian Bean.” The trees produce lovely crowns of white flowers with orange stripes and purple spots.
End of the Stream Loop
June 4, 2011 Recognition of David Foote's Eagle Project Town of Clinton Supervisor, Jeff Burns presenter.
David's Mom, Bonnie Foote with David - Enjoying Jeff's speech
Right to Left David, Bonnie Foote, David's sister, Rebecca, and Stephen Foote, David's Dad.
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Clinton.
David describing his project to the crowd.
Ribbon cutting time!
The David Foote improved Clinton Nature Trail is officially open! Thank you, David, David's Family, the Schollmeyers, and Troop 37.
Part of David's Eagle project included the creation of a very informative brochure. The Town of Clinton Conservation Advisory Council Chairman, Sarah Love, created a map of the Nature Trail. Both the map and the brochure are available at the kiosk.
