Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The 2013-2014 Guide to the Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail

Welcome to the Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail

This is an on-line guide to some of the most
familiar plants of our nature trail.  It is intended
for both students and adults.  For each plant I
have included a photo of its sign, and a Fast Facts
link to a Wikipedia article about that plant.  I have
also included one or more photographs showing
notable plant characteristics, such as leaf shape,
seeds, or berries.  The plants are listed in the order
you will encounter them on the trail.

I hope you will enjoy learning
about some of your favorite specimens.  But I
especially hope this guide will spur you to visit
and enjoy your nature trail-- at any season!

White Oak  




Greenbriar / Catbrier / Smilax 




American Holly


Wild Grape / Muscadine


"The Slingshot Tree"
A sample of the unusual forms
found in nature.


Dogwood


"Jack, Will, and Tom"



Sourwood


Hickory


Sweetgum


Sweetgum balls: the seed bearers
Black Oak



"Saint John"
Another interesting formation, a
favorite of students over the years.


Lady Fern




Magnolia



Netted Chain Fern


Royal Fern


Snag
A snag is defined by ecologists as a
standing dead tree which continues to
provide both food and shelter to numerous
creatures, including birds and insects.  These
trees play an important role in the overall
balance of nature.



River Cane


Alder


When you reach the old bridge,
it's time to turn around and complete
the trail loop.


Jack-in-the-Pulpit

The leaves
The "pulpit" flower
When the plant dies down in the
fall its red berries remain.
"Big Rock"
This amazing rock is an extrusion
of the geologic formation called 
McLendon's Fault, which runs under
this portion of Moore County.  More
extruding rocks can be seen within a
mile of this site.



Tulip Poplar


Loblolly Pine




Sugar Maple


Red Maple


Kudzu




"Old Man Poplar"


The Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail
exists for the pleasure and education of
the school and community.  As time goes 
 more signs will be added and this on-line 
guide will be updated. You're invited to 
visit, enjoy, and learn.