Ferris Wild Forest Foray

Skye van der Laan, Botanist and Tom Phillips, Bryologist

Sunday, July 5th | 10 am – 4 pm

Take a stroll back in time as we travel an old woods road into the old woods. This road had settlements in only three places in 1800 and most of the acreage and was considered “unimproved” land by 19th century standards. There are no signs of logging or human land use that are still visible today. We will meander through a mosaic of habitats into a little disturbed place; dark seepy swamps and gnarly old forest interlaced with cold clear brooks and dotted with ancient moss and lichen coated trees. We will follow the course of the East Canada Creek southwest from Piseco Road toward Brandy Brook. As we mosey, we will take a close look at the bryophytes and lichens adorning the trees as well as keeping a sharp eye out for Platanthera (bog orchids), Goodyera (rattlesnake plantain orchids), and any other interesting flora we encounter as we pass through rich areas where old sugar maples and basswood dominate. Once we reach Brandy Brook we will work our way upstream toward House Pond, a little explored corridor. Plan for a long day with uneven and often wet terrain, and possible heavy mosquito activity. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water, tick protection, and a hand lens.

Bring good hiking footwear, raingear, plenty of water, lunch and snacks for the hike.  Assume ticks will be present and be prepared to repel them.

We will meet at a location that will be communicated to those who register.  

If you have any questions about the trip before registering, contact ferris@nyflora.org.

All NYFA field trips are free and open to all.

NYFA relies on the generous support of its members to offer free Field Trips and Learn 10 workshops. If you are able, please consider a donation to help support these efforts. Suggested Donation is $10.