The Woods

Details
Written by D. Mosher

The Woods was a no-man’s land of tangled trees, brush, and debris when it was acquired in 2013.  Today the area provides a shady park-like setting for visitors to enjoy.  More than 30 different kinds of trees attract a variety of woodland birds and a few species of mammals.  Enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods as you look at the interesting variety of trees and animals.  How many can you identify?

Red Headed Woodpecker

Photo:  Watch out for beautiful Red-headed Woodpeckers as they fly from tree to tree searching for food.  Courtesy of D. Mosher, Mount Vernon Nazarene University. 

Basic Ecology

Details
Written by D. Mosher

The area known as “The Woods” is not really a natural forest ecosystem. But it does have an interesting variety of trees for park visitors to enjoy. More than 30 different kinds of trees attract a variety of woodland birds and a few species of mammals (see birds and wildlife section).

Read more ...

Birds and Wildlife of The Woods

Details
Written by D. Mosher

The plant diversity in this area attracts a variety of woodland birds. The most common birds are listed below. Some birds are easier heard than seen, so be sure to listen for their sounds. Other species may be found in other parts of the park or may stop by this area during migration. The more common birds in this area of the park are shown below.

Read more ...

Tree Identification

Details
Written by D. Mosher

As you walk through The Woods, how many trees can you identify?

Remember “Leaves of three, let them be”. Yes, poison ivy is common in The Woods. Poison Ivy grows as a woody vine that climbs up the tree trunks, so be very careful not to touch any parts of the climbing vines. Another climbing vine is sometimes confused with poison ivy, but Virginia creeper usually has five leaflets.

Read more ...

Mammals

Details
Written by D. Mosher

Remember, some mammals are nocturnal and are more easily seen at dusk or at night.  The more common mammals in this area of the park are listed below.

Read more ...

woods 

LEARN MORE  about the Woods on the Ariel-Foundation Park main site!

Credits

A special thanks to the students of the Field Botany class at Mount Vernon Nazarene University who wrote the reports on the various kinds of trees found in The Woods. These students include Chandler Cook, Grace Hall, Emily Kauble, Keith Kitchen, Madison Lotz, Kevin Maurer, Christina Norcross, Caroline Phillips, Dakoda Ramsey, Jacob Schott, Emily Smith, and Katelyn Stone.

All photos linked in this Learning Station courtesy of D. Mosher, Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Appendix I

Plant surveys were done by the Field Botany class at Mount Vernon Nazarene University during the fall semester of 2016.  A summary of the class surveys for woody plants and herbaceous plants is available.

Other Stations