Spring Woodland Wildflowers

Adders Tongue appears first from forest floor

Adders Tongue appears first from forest floor

For about 15 years I have been silently observing the early woodland wildflowers that pop out of the forest floor sometime around mid April in the area of the “little finger lakes”.  I enjoy photographing the flowers in their growing stages, and identifying at least 5 new plants every year. So far my bank of knowledge includes about 15 plants.Three common woodland flowers you may observe on our hikes are Mayapple, Adders Tongue, and Trillium.   All can be seen in their early and mid stage in the next couple of weeks.

Not all Adders Tongue  has flowers

Not all Adders Tongue
have flowers

Adders Tongue, Dog Toothed Violet, Fawn Lily, or Trout Lily leaves first appear peaking out of the forest floor through the dried leaves.  The leaves of the trout lily (so called because they appear about the same time as the trout)  are a greenish/brown mottled color. Some of the plants later produce a yellow flower which is the early food for the queen bumblebee.

Mayapple in early stage

Mayapple in early stage

Mayapples or Mandrakes appear second, curled up tightly, then unfold their leaves to what looks like a little umbrella. They are usually found in clusters, later develop a very large white flower, then a fruit.  About  mid July the oval fruit (which is located under and  inbetween the two leaves) turns a lemon-yellow color and is now ripe for eatting. It should be noted that all parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruit when it is  ripe. I believe i contacted the poison once on my arm while laying on the forest floor photographing them.

Trilliums are appearing now in their bud stage, and colors can range from Red(Birthroot), White, Pink, Purple, and Painted.  Trilliums are an endangered or threatened species and there are stiff fines associated with collecting any part of the plant on public lands or not receiving permission from private landowners.   They seem to like to grow in shady, rich moist woodland soils, along with wild leeks, and maple trees.

More wildflowers to come next week….

Young budding Trillium

Young budding Trillium

Red Trillium - Birthroot

Red Trillium – Birthroot

Mayapple unfolding to umbrella look

Mayapple unfolding to umbrella look

 

Planning the Summer Hike schedule

Gene and Georgia have volunteered to coordinate the summer hikes for 2013.  Let’s all work together to make their job easy.

The first thing you can do is volunteer to plan a hike.  You can tell Gene in person, or fill out our form on the web.  Let Gene know what you would like to do, and what help you need.  If you want to do a hike we have already done, we can provide the description for you to modify.  If you want to do a Pre Hike (highly recommended), we can help find someone to hike with you.  If you need reference books, just ask.  But please volunteer.

If you are willing to commit to leading one of the hike groups, send Gene an email, and he will connect you with a hike planner.

 

Richmond Mills Rd – Honeoye Outlet – Directions (42.829,-77.5285)

DEC Land at Richmond Mills RdThere is a small parking area and kiosk on the north side of County Road 15 (aka Richmond Mills Rd.) 2 tenths of a mile east of County Rd. 37.  There is ample parking in the gravel lot and on the shoulders of CR 15.

From Springwater: Head north on Rt 15A through Hemlock.  Turn right on CR 41 at the intersection where 20A goes left toward Livonia.  This is Richmond Mills Rd.  Follow Richmond Mills for 4.3 miles through the 4-way stop sign.  The parking is on the left.

From Honeoye: Go West on 20A from the Village.  Turn right onto CR 37 (Rchmond Center Rd).  Richmond Mills is the first right 2.6 miles north.  Turn right on Richmond Mills Rd.  The parking is on the left about 0.2 miles from the corner.

From Rochester: Take 15A South to Lima.  Turn left on Rts 5&20 for 3.8 miles to West Bloomfield. (You can also get to Lima and W Bloomfield from Exit 10 on 390S – head east on 5&20). Turn right and follow CR 37 south for 5.6 miles.  At the 4-way stop, turn left on Richmond Mills Rd (CR15).  The parking is on the left about 0.2 miles from the corner.

From Geneseo:  Take R20A East.  Continue straight across 15A (Rt 20A curves south onto 15A).  Richmond Mills continues east from 15A.  Follow Richmond Mills for 4.3 miles through the 4-way stop sign.  The parking is on the left.

The Hills of Honeoye Outlet – Sunday April 28, 2013 – 2:00PM

DEC Land at Honeoye OutletThis week we head for the hills of Honeoye Outlet.  This DEC land, located just to the north of the town of Honeoye, has a variety of terrain.  There are some wide open spaces, wetlands, a winding creek, hills with a view, and even a small woods.

All groups will gather at 2:00 at the DEC kiosk Richmond Mills Road, CR 15.

Google Earth view of DEC trailsClimbers, led by Ann, will head out to the north from the yellow gate, along the creek, following the blue trail for about a mile.  Hopefully sights and sounds of Spring will be peeking out from the creekside and the fields.The group will veer left at a junction with a trail heading uphill.  They will circuit then enter a small wooded area, eventually heading up hill, as climbers do.  At the top there are sights to behold.  Straight ahead there is a magnificent luxury home.  To the right is a splendid view of the valley.  To the left is a wooded trail back down “the mountain”.  On the return trip the group may want to explore the area of fields and hedgerows that we visited on our pre hike.  The route back to the vehicles is the same.

Naturalists will begin their hike with the Climbers but travel at their own pace.  Instead of climbing the hill, they will stay and explore the flatland  area for plant and animal life that the fast people miss.

Tourists, led by Melissa, will head off from the parking area in an easterly direction across a field.  After a half mile they will turn north and head up a gradual hill.  At the top they will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley.   After exploring the top of the hill the group will head down to the west then amble along Honeoye Creek for a mile or so to return to their vehicles.  Some of you may enjoy a 3D preview of the hike.  Click Here.

Directions    The starting point is a small parking area and kiosk on the north side of County Road 15 (aka Richmond Mills Rd.) 2 tenths of a mile east of County Rd. 37.  There is ample parking in the gravel lot and on the shoulders of CR 15.

The after Hike Social will be hosted by Linda Evanski at her home on Blue Heron Lane.  Directions will be available at the hike.  Please bring a dish to pass and a beverage of your choice.