Soup 'n Walk, Saturday, November 12

By Julianna Pax, Arboretum docent

The day started out a little blustery. but by 11 a.m. the sun came out and we had temps in the 50s. Our theme was the changing colors and nuts and berries in the woods. Mary Jo took one group on the Blockston Branch trail and I took a second group on a little longer trek (but still one hour) through the parking lot and out the Birch Allee trail. We admired the possumhaw viburnum’s blue berries and red leaves by the Visitor's Center. The bridge gave us a chance to see the juniper berries and white cedar and swamp alder cones and the seed pods on the buttonbush.

Further on the trail, we passed a lovely red oak by the wetland, and in the parking lot there were four more colorful oaks – a white oak (our state tree and tree of the year at Adkins Arboretum for 2012), a pin oak, a willow oak, and a water oak. The red colors in some of the leaves appear in the fall due to the formation of scar tissue and the trapping of the sugar in the leaf, which then combines with a compound to form the red/purple anthocyanins. By the trail we next saw the deep purple leaves of the sweet gum with a nest just at our eye level. The nest was small and empty now and reminded us of the shelter and food that birds need.

Many dogwood trees still had their almost salmon-colored leaves this year. Where the sunlight passed through the canopy, it lit up the colors on the leaves. The red-colored anthocyanins in the leaves may act as a sunscreen for the delicate leaves. Tulip tree, paw paw, beech, and hickory leaves were sporting different shades of gold in the sunlight. We observed the fleeting green in the leaves near their center veins and were reminded that as the chlorophyll disappears, the yellow color that was there all the time is now visible. Both the green chlorophyll and the yellow/orange carotenes gather the sunlight and transform it into food for the plants and ultimately feed animals too. We passed the green cranefly orchid leaves with red underneath and went by some bright red leaves of low bush blueberries and saw red berries on some of the hearts a bursting. A few winged sumac still had red shiny leaves in the sunlight. Golden yellow leaves were everywhere we looked. Some leaves had already gone to the brown color of tannins, which is an end product of all this color and shows up in the coppery-colored water downstream.

Back at the Visitor’s Center, we joined the others for a colorfully decorated room with dogwood, beech, and holly leaves. Nuts and acorns were strewn on the table alongside, the printed recipes. We enjoyed our colorful foods, including sweet potatoes and carrots, in the soup and salad and fruit and nuts in the bread, salad, and dessert. Many told me that they were going to use the recipes at home and enjoyed the nutrition facts. There were 27 guests, and some were remembering that our next walk is in February, and wouldn’t it be nice if it snowed like it did a few years ago!

Many volunteers and staff make this a special event at Adkins, and I would like to thank all of you. Today we had Nancy B., Mickey B., Shirley B., Norma J. E., Mary J. K., Lynn L., Michele W., Zaida W., with Shelley at the desk. Lynn and Mary J. brought the desserts. Allison, Robyn, and Ginna did their part earlier, and to everyone else that I forgot, thanks.

Soup 'n Walk, Saturday, October 15

by Arboretum Docent Julianna Pax

It was a perfect fall day with clear skies and a little wind as our group headed out for a meadow walk. We were mostly concerned with the plants of the meadow, but strayed right away to the beautiful tupelo tree and the possumhaw viburnums near the Visitor's Center. It was hard to pass up such a vivid display as we discussed the red colors in these two plants. Attention was also paid to the forest edge as we scoured the ground for mushrooms, another topic of the day. We were not able to find any. Perhaps some were hiding under all the leaves that are starting to fall.

Many of those leaves had already turned their lovely colors of purple, red and orange, but the majority of the forest had not reached its peak of glorious color. Maybe in another week or two.

The tall grasses of the meadow - big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass - were especially noted. Upon close inspection, we observed the difference in each flower head, which helps in the identification of the specific grasses. The dried pods of some of the common milkweed were still hanging on, and a few of the milkweed bugs could be seen feasting on the seeds. We even found one with a new batch of tiny milkweed bugs. There were a few new shoots of milkweed scattered along the meadows edge, and several were just full of yellow aphids, which really seem to love any and all of the milkweeds. I’m sure the ladybugs we saw earlier on the path will be heading in their direction. I was a little disappointed that just about all of the goldenrod was finished blooming, but they have left behind many seed heads that the birds will love.

Unfortunately, the meadow and the meadow edge are scattered with several types of invasive species, so we pointed out the aggressive Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, and the Tree of Heaven, just to name a few. But it was too pretty a day to dwell on the negative!

As we made our way around the far end of the South Meadow, part of the group stopped to say hello to a snake that was waiting to cross or may have been basking in the warm sunshine. He wanted no part of us and headed into the underbrush. Farther around the path, we were looking at the leaves of a pretty flowering dogwood and discovered a small assassin bug slowly maneuvering around the branches, perhaps looking for a snack.

The South Meadow is just loaded with pearly everlasting this year. Seems to be more than usual. It is such a pretty little plant with white flowers that just pop out here and there all through the meadow. We discussed how well it dries for decorating wreaths and such, but noted that it has a very strong scent when brought indoors!

The Virginia creeper vine is just spectacular now with its red, red leaves and is innocently climbing up and over many plants on the forest edge. And as vile as poison ivy is to some, one cannot deny the beauty of those leaves this time of year!

We picked up the pace of our walk as it neared 12:00. I was sure everyone had worked up an appetite and was ready to head in for a delicious lunch.

Most folks in the group were repeat visitors, but three or four were there for the first time and seemed to enjoy themselves. We were quick to invite them back. Thanks Julianna and Shirley for being my back-up. It was a very enjoyable day!

The next Soup 'n Walk (the last of the year) is Saturday, November 12. Register today!

The Arboretum's Summer Campout

Five families braved temperatures in the mid-nineties to participate in the Arboretum’s Summer Campout, held July 30-31. Families dined under the shade of an oak tree, enjoying food hot off the grill alongside cool slices of watermelon. While adults set up their tents in an open meadow, Children’s Program Coordinator and campout organizer Jenny Houghton explored the wetland with young campers, ranging in age from two to ten. Children returned from the wetland to make Mason jar firefly-catchers before setting off with their parents on a woodland night hike.



As darkness fell along the Blockston Branch, Jenny’s intrepid husband, Gabe, built a roaring bonfire in a woodland clearing. Children balanced on tree stumps and searched for the perfect marshmallow roasting stick. Despite waves of heat coming off the bonfire, everyone gathered round to assemble gooey, delicious s’mores.




Saturday evening closed with a cosmic show put on by the Delmarva Stargazers, who set up three enormous telescopes in the campout field. Campers were treated to close-up views of Saturn, globular clouds, the Milky Way, and other wonders of the night sky.

After a somewhat restful and surprisingly cool night (punctuated by owl cries and the howls of neighboring beagles), campers woke to find assorted breakfast treats and some much-needed coffee laid out under the trees. Nationally known ornithologist Andy Sprenger led a bird walk introducing campers to birdsong identification. Andy was thrilled to spot a Mississippi Kite on the walk; these birds are rarely seen as far north as Maryland. Campers were thrilled at close-up scopes of a hummingbird and an indigo bunting.

As campers packed up their tents, 9-year-old Nick Obert admitted to Jenny, “I had low expectations of this camp-out, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.” High praise, indeed.

Come out to welcome the Arboretum's new baby goat!

An amazing thing happened last week. One of the visiting goats browsing invasive plants at the forest edge gave birth to triplets! All three were named lifetime members, and the Arboretum has adopted one of the kids. Once she has grown a bit, the baby (shown here with Facilities Maintenance Coordinator Allison Yates) will live at the Arboretum full time, the first goat in the Arboretum's own herd of grazers. Stop by the nursery to see this adorable newborn!

Keep checking back to read about the (still unnamed) baby's adventures.

May 21 Soup 'n Walk Notes by Julianna Pax

Mary Jo and I led our group along with two other volunteers, so we were well covered fore and aft. The guests were about equally split among those familiar with the Arboretum, those who’d visited only a few times, and a few who were there for the first time. We hiked Blockston Branch over to Ridge Walk and back via the South Meadow. We talked about structural things while we looked for interesting plants – how small creeks help protect the Bay by providing opportunities to trap silt and nutrients; why some plants prefer the rich but risky lowlands and others prefer the drier, challenging uplands.

Along the way, we spotted some little pawpaw fruits on the same stem with a tiny withered flower (about 10 feet up, right at the start of Blockston Branch trail near the first bridge). Helpfully, a zebra swallowtail chose that moment to flit past. Lots of poplar tulips scattered on the ground for our inspection. We contrasted the false with true Solomon’s seal. Just about the time we found our first mayapple fruit, we also almost stepped on a resplendent box turtle that was being pestered by a little cloud of mosquitoes. Guests enjoyed using my pocket magnifier to admire the plentiful spaceship flowers on healthy (non-mite-y) heart's-a-bursting. Lots of birds were enjoying the drier, sunnier weather: bluebird, oven bird, pileated woodpecker, and red-eyed vireo, just to name a few.

The cranefly orchid leaves are almost gone, but there were just enough for us to admire the vibrant purple underleaf. The cat brier shoots are getting old enough that they’re a bit too tough to nibble on (a positive attribute of this annoying plant that was covered in last Sunday’s foraging class), but we talked about their green stem strategy for photosynthesis after the canopy dies back later in the year. Jack-in-the-pulpit flowers are withering, but we did see some brave specimens along the way. Iridescent damsel flies stopped us dead in our tracks a couple of times as their ruby and sapphire wings caught shafts of sun filtering down from the canopy.

Everyone was hungry by the time we blinked into the sunny meadow, so we were encouraged by the prospect of a delicious meal waiting for us. And we were not disappointed – yum!

Thanks, Margan, for your very entertaining educational notes. I feel like we went on your walk also. My thanks also for the lovely weather, which was in the 70s. Our group did the Upland Trail to the Creekside Trail, Tuckahoe, and then returned on Blockston Branch. Our theme was to check out the view at creekside, and what a view it was. The mountain laurel are blooming prolifically this year. Since I started doing the tours in 2003, these are the most blooms that I have seen. If you get a chance, come out and visit. The mountain laurel are along the higher ground of the Tuckahoe and Creekside trails. They bloom most heavily where the sun shines through the tree canopy in the morning. It seems that everywhere the sun shone on these bushes we could find blossoms this year.

Along the meadow there were many milkweed plants this year, and their buds are just about to open. Our visitors seemed to know that this is the host plant for the monarch butterfly. At the start of the Upland Trail, the pawpaw patch will show some of the pawpaw fruits if you look high enough and have good eyesight. Keep checking, as they will grow and ripen around Labor Day if they stay on the trees. Also watch for the zebra swallowtail butterflies, which lay eggs on the leaves that feed the larvae later. All along the Upland Trail we saw a lot of red-striped green-leafed rattlesnake weed with tall yellow blooms and a few spent blooms of pink lady slipper followed by some pussytoes, a few late bluets or quaker ladies in the moss patch, and Solomon’s seal blooms here and there. The false Solomon's seal is just getting started, and both will have berries later: blue-black berries on the former, red on the latter. The heart’s-a-bursting bushes were also covered with blooms. Last year there were very few.

The rattlesnake fern is showing by the Christmas fern patch, and we are looking forward to the fern walk next month. Many other ferns are making the Blockston Branch seem even more cool and refreshing. Water is flowing since we had quite a bit of rain this spring. Maybe that is why the blooms have been great. A turtle showed by some mayapples, which delighted all in the group. The tulip tree blossoms with their orange and yellow color are found along the trails blown down by the wind. They were also on the tables for part of the decorations carefully cleaned by Michele. The dogwood at the entrance to the woods is covered with green berries. What a treat for us and the birds this fall.

About half the guests went on the two-hour and half on the one-hour walk for a total of 16 guests. They were most enthusiastic, and some who had come for the first time were inspired to come again. Thanks to Mickey, Michele, Norma Jean, Mary Jo, Jennifer, and Margan, the beautifully decorated room and smells of food beckoned to us as we returned. The scallop vegetable soup and roasted beet and carrot salad were delicious, and Norma Jean and Mary Jo made the tasty cookies. Thanks also to the staff and volunteers at the front desk who help with signups and supplies, etc. Everyone does such a great job welcoming the guests and helping in so many ways to make this event fun for all.

Thanks,
Julianna

Soup 'n Walk, April 23, 2011

Report by Julianna Pax

It started out today in the 60s with rain in the forecast, and as I drove in the rain to Adkins I thought we might need our backup program, but by 10 a.m. it was just a drizzle. As we started walking the rain stopped and the overcast clouds just made the colors of the flowers stand out. We were searching for the fleeting pink and yellow ephemerals and found them in abundance.

Our Tuckahoe Trail to the Creekside Path brought us past sassafras trees at the entrance to the woods. We saw lots of dogwood and some pinxterbloom azaleas along the way. The mayapples and pink ladyslippers were starting to bloom. Many spring beauty were still in bloom, although they were shy about opening up on this cloudy day. We did see two or three bloodroot leaves but no blossoms or seeds. The older beech trees still have blossoms.

On the Creekside Path and Upland Trail were many more mayapples and some Solomon’s seal just barely starting to show blooms. On the Upland Trail, we found lots of bluets, pussytoes, more ladyslippers, and rattlesnake weed just starting to bloom. The pawpaw patch had a good supply of blooms, some green and some already turning purple.

Next we continued on the Blockston Branch trail and found yellow golden groundsel, Virginia bluebells, jack-in-the pulpits, and some lovely bellwort in several thin patches. In the flood plain we noticed the netted chain fern and maybe some Turk's xap lilies coming up where we had not seen them before. There were also some cinnamon fern and lady fern along this trail. All in all, we thought the day in the woods presented us with quite a variety of ephemerals, shrubs, and tree blooms. The dogwood with their white blooms were all around us, often at a distance, so the effect was quite lacy and most cheerful. Someone mentioned that they had often walked the trails but noticed so much more when a guide was pointing out things.

In the dining room there were more native blossoms in the vases, and the tables were set and the buffet invited us, thanks to Mickey, Nancy, Michele, Pat, Lynn, and others. Mary Jo led the one-hour walk, and I led the two-hour walk. We were ably assisted by Zaida, Shirley, and Norma Jean. There were 28 guests present and two who did not come due to the rain. The projector was set up with a virtual tour, but everyone elected to go for the walks. Many commented on what a wonderful time they had. Some were new to the area and were excited to know that this wonderful place existed. Pat said there were two new members signed up. Most of the rest were already members. Thanks to everyone who helps to make this a success.

Nature as Muse

Alas Dear Muse

'tis only you and I

to stroll the leaf lined paths

as eagles circle high.



You whisper on the gentle breeze

your laughter with the crows

you sing along the brooks and streams

Come, come walk and dream.



Thank you Muse for time to roam

the Adkins paths and trails

Thank you Muse for choosing

the Arboretum as your home.





Michele

Soup 'n Walk, March 19, 2011

Friday it was in the 80s and today it was in the low 60s, just a lovely sunny day for a walk in the woods. For the two-hour walk, we took Tuckahoe Trail and the Creekside Walk. There were 12 guests on the two-hour walk and 14 guests on the one-hour walk, a nice-size group for both walks. The 1one-hour group went along Blockston Branch and were delighted to spot the buds of a Virginia bluebell just about ready the bloom. Al and Mary Jo led this group.

Our theme today was searching for pink and purple blooms, and we found these colors as well as some yellow buds on the sassafras and spicebush. The beech and sweetgum tips were swelling and will show blooms and leaves soon. Heading to the Tuckahoe Trail, we passed the pinxterbloom azalea with pink buds and some barely visible pink buds on the blueberry. Going farther, we passed partridge berry leaves with red berries peeking through the oak leaves in many places. We saw a few leaves of wintergreen, with its white stripe, and many cranefly orchid leaves with their maroon color on the back. A patch by the spicebush bridge has a few stalks that were probably blooms left from last year. Many were interested in its bloom time in the middle of summer. I suggested they consult a website to see what the blooms look like. The spicebushes were lovely at this spot, and several buds had opened, showing the delicate lacy blooms. Many skunk cabbages were showing their green leaves along this stream.

At the next bridge, we were able to spot several purple skunk cabbage blooms among all the green leaves (late bloomers?). We were not successful in finding any bloodroot or spring beauty along this trail. We did pass many mountain laurel bushes with buds, and it looks like we are in for a good year of blooms from these and the azalea, shadbush, and dogwood.

Continuing back on the Creekside Walk, one lucky guest spotted the first spring beauty and the cameras came out again. In a few more feet we found about a dozen more blooms. We were so excited and one guest commented about how much fun it was to spot these solitary blooms in the woods at Adkins. These spring beauties were in a patch by the mound formed by a tree that had gone over years ago and left the rich soil which acts like a plant nursery. It is across from a 3 trunked tulip tree. Further along I pointed out the best vantage point for spotting a fringe tree in April using another downed tree as the arrow. Someone asked about the small trees along the trail. We then felt the soft leaf tips that look and feel like a cat’s paw. These are paw paw trees.

The large beech tree at the turn in the trail gave us a breathtaking view of Tuckahoe Creek, which is over its banks at the moment from recent rains. This older beech tree has leaf buds ready to open, and we are looking forward to seeing some of the blooms next month.

We returned to the lunch meeting room, which now has lovely reusable green tablecloths donated by Pat B (thank you). Mickey and others had obtained the cloths, and we will rotate the laundry and be green and not need the others. Buds were in the vases, and pink and purple napkins and placements made the room a colorful place to visit and have our delicious lunch. Many in attendance are returning guests, but the walks still bring in a few new people who often become new members. We talked about all the wonderful purple nutrients in the recipes and why they are so good for us. The new Soup 'n Walk cookbooks are now out, so guests can buy them and promote even more healthy eating and sharing.

Thanks to all our volunteers for this Soup 'n Walk: Pat B., Mickey B., Michele W., Mary J. K., Al M., Shirley B., and Zaida W., who also helped and brought the cherry pies. Thanks to the staff: Cathy E., Ginna T., Lynda T., Allison Y., and all the rest who helped to make this a successful event.

Thanks again,

Julianna

Soup & Walk Report, February 19, 2011

Our theme today was searching for the green and we saw it everywhere when we looked carefully. This year was very different from the snow we had last year. Many remembered our tromp through the snow. We had gusting winds today and temperatures in the 50’s compared to the 30’s the previous 2 years. The sounds of the wind in the trees made some think of a plane flying overhead and we commented that people who have experienced hurricanes or tornados hear a sound like a locomotive. When the gusts died down we could hear bird sounds and flowing water along the creek.
Before we entered the relative calm of the woods we looked at the statuesque tulip tree against the blue sky and caught the sunlight bouncing off the seed pods at the top of the tree. Later in the woods, we took a look at another and even though it was swaying in the breeze we could see the seed pods again. The trunk close up has those curious circular patterns up and down the braided bark of the tree.
At the first bridge we visited with the skunk cabbage blossoms poking through the leaves. These wonderful harbingers of spring are a lovely striped purple. The leaves just showing will be more evident next month and guests have described the leaves as looking very tropical. These plants have long tap roots with 3 years growth so they can survive being stepped on. They, along with the netted chain fern, are a sign of healthy wetlands. They also help clean up the Chesapeake Bay by anchoring the soil on this floodplain of the Blockston Branch.
The water was flowing nicely in the winding creek with many patches of soft green moss along the banks. The bright green color shows the effects of the sunlight which can reach these plants during the winter when the upper canopy is devoid of leaves. One observant guest did spot a remaining holly berry on a tree. The holly leaves and sweet bay magnolia leaves were another source of green in the woods. We did see the green stems of patches of green brier with thorns and strawberry bush with some red tips showing. One guest mentioned that this was the first time she noticed these lovely tips that had not been eaten by the deer.
Two of our orchids are visible now as green leaves on the upland train. The cranefly orchid has green above and purple underneath and the rattlesnake plantain orchid has a white striped fuzzy leaf. This latter one near the pine trees still had a leaf stalk showing. We took the Birch Alle` trail to see a little more of the woods. Moss along the upland trail and the birch trail were of several different varieties and shades of green and bluegreen. River birch with the peeling trunks ruffled by the wind were visible among the green pines.
The new bluebird house volunteer Doug Smith pointed out one of the 25 houses that he was monitoring and asked for more help when he is on vacation. He gave a nice background for this opportunity for another volunteer effort.
Our walk was topped off by a lovely luncheon enjoyed by our 28 paid guests which included 2 young children. One of our puppet squirrels visited, welcomed the children and the group and talked a little about the need for this habitat which provides her with acorns to feed her family and friends. In our beautifully decorated meeting room, we enjoyed a very hearty chili, green salad, bread with green spread and spicy date nut bars. Mickey had used many greens from the woods to decorate and with the help of all our volunteers made this a delightful occasion for our guests. Pat B at front desk, Michelle W, and Mary J K who both also made the dessert, Nancy B Shirley B, Zaida W, and all the staff who helped before the event taking reservations and Allison for setting up the room.
Many guests were profuse in the thanks that we have this event regularly at the arboretum. I am grateful that this allows me to promote the arboretum, as well as cooking and eating healthy which go along with the new 2010 guidelines. Thanks to all, Julianna

Nature as Muse Report, February 5

Oh it was a dark and dreary day! There were only no-shows for the scheduled walk. However there was a couple at Adkins who were dropping off some art to be judged; having driven down from Baltimore they were going to go for a walk. So I kept with the planned theme and we took the walk together.

There was a steady drizzle with no wind, so we were treated to jewels of water, collected at every dip along every branch reflecting what little light there was. In the subdued light we were able to pick out some egg clusters on the marsh grass and imagine just what butterflies we will be seeing this spring. The dog wood blossoms stood out as advertisements to come and see what beauty there is to be in the near future.

Along the Meadow Walk, in contrast to the many greys upon grey, were the black raspberry stems with grey on blue and the blackberry with the red stems; both of them proudly showing there small claws just daring entry. One tree still held the yellow and red berries of the bitter sweet which were showing off in the subdued light. The mulberry tree was standing there all rough and snarly looking like some menace against the cloudy background.

We noticed the Blockston Branch winding its way down to the Tuckahoe; clear as a bell, tempting us to taste a sip. Trees suffering from old age or high wind leaned on their neighbors waiting to come to rest on the ground. On the ground under the Virginia and Loblolly pines were some mosses who looked like they themselves were aspiring to be pine trees; each of these showing off different hues of green in the subdued light.

I was glad that we took the time to see the sights that get special respect in the subdued light.
Al

Adkins Arboretum Book Club - Poetry Reading

paper snow

as in nature
no two are alike.

you snip neat triangles,
careful diamonds,
the leavings littering the floor
like new year’s confetti.

my scissors move
in swirls and curves,
feathers of white
drifting beneath the table.

the children sleep.
there are gifts to be wrapped,
mugs washed,
a dog waiting by the door.

still we linger,
and the peace builds
like falling snow.



below freezing

winter is
my lonely soul.

winter is
not knowing you
the way i do
in summer.

winter is
too many layers.

winter is
our words
unraveling towards
the white horizon,
a frozen cloud.


solstice notes

my solstice wind chimes
jewel the winter nights
with a wild sparkling
of notes.

before the freeze
i climbed
the twisted oak
to string them
from a gnarled branch.

in icy tempest
their music soothes
the wint’ring birds.

enchanted, i will sleep
in tuneful dreaming
until spring’s soft winds
invite a witch’s dance
beneath the stars.




whiteout

after all this time of clouds
the snow is falling,
so quickly covering
the places where we walked.

the river
iced over
is a blur of white.

how suddenly the familiar
becomes strange—

i will not even try
to make my way
through silent paths
to where we used to live.



s.a.d.


o bright god,
without you
winter disappoints.

in summer
i preferred shadow,
covered up
and wore dark glasses.

now
i drink you in,
shameless.

sometimes
i stand by the window
just to feel
your touch on my face.

at day’s end
i follow you
through the streets
and plead
“come back, come back.”

fortunate trees
on whose highest branches
you linger.

if you must leave,
leave with pastel longing,
but tomorrow
blind me
with your brilliance.


j. l. houghton