Old Growth Forest

It is not much of a secret that the Weedpicker is also a tree-hugger.  What better tribute to fall than to make a whirlwind tour of some spectacular trees and fall foliage.  Cooksville, PA was the designated location, as the home of Cooks Forest.

Giant skeletal remains of a native Chestnut tree, being admired by the ol' Weedpicker, Cheryl Harner.

 This Chestnut tree snag is located near the Forest Cathedral in Cooks Forest.  It is all that remains of the giant species which was common prior to the catastrophic Chestnut blight which swept through Pennsylvania in the 1920's.

A staircase leads to yet another portion of silent forest. 

 We first learned of this special Old Growth Forest from Joan Maloof's book, Among the Ancients.  This has been my second visit in a year, as it is but a short trip from Ohio's northeast border to see the soft layered forest floor and old growth trees.

Spectacular fall color.

 The light played through the multi-colored leaves.  What could be more enchanting?

Cheryl  and daughter, Michelle Goodman.

We both give this forest two-thumbs up for beauty, serenity and the woodland scent that makes life seem oh-so-right.

If you have not yet been to an old-growth forest pick up Joan's book, join the Old Growth Forest Network, and learn a little more about this great pleasure in life you may be missing.

Shawnee- Firetower Hike

Shawnee State Park and Forest, a breath taking view from the firetower.

Good fortune placed me near Portsmouth Ohio this weekend, in order to accomplish some Flora-Quest business.  The weather, low 60's in January, was too perfect to pass up on the opportunity to hike with some friends- starting at the firetower.

Speaking of breath taking, this is certainly the tallest firetower I have climbed. THAT was breath-taking!

 Jenny Richards led the hike and she started us out with a good look from the inside of the tower.  What a thrill that was!  I can't imagine the day when someone spent hours upon hour in that high roost top, watch for forest fires.

 Doug and Connie were along for the hike.  We have met before at Flora-Quest events.  One of the best parts of attending Flora-Quest in Shawnee is the interesting people you meet.

Bob Scott Placier and John Howard were along for the afternoon as well.  Both are excellent naturalist and guides for Flora-Quest. In fact, the top twenty reasons for attending Flora-Quest are the guides.

Most are full-time naturalists, many retired or currently working for the state. They have a wealth of knowledge to share and the small groups allow them to teach more about flowers, trees, birds, rocks and butterflies.

The trips descriptions for 2012 are nearly finished- and you will soon find them on line at http://www.flora-quest.com/.  Can't wait to see you there!