Maybury Tree Walk

The Northville Tree Champions took us on an enriching walk among the trees of Maybury State Park. Led by local tree expert Celia Larsen, she taught us how to recognize the different types of leaves (simple, pinnately compound, palmately compound) and branching (alternate vs opposite) and how these features can help us identify trees.

The leaf examples she provided helped us see the subtle differences between Cottonwood and Redbud leaves, and the pinnately compound leaves of native Staghorn Sumac and Black Walnut, to the invasive Tree of Heaven. We were also treated to a look at the leaves and fruit from a native Pawpaw tree (from Celia’s yard).

We then stepped out for a comparison between the leaves and acorns of a Red Oak (pointed lobes) and a White Oak (smooth lobes). In the photo below, Pin Oak is shown at left, Swamp White Oak at right.

On the trail (among many others), we observed Ash, Hawthorn, Ironwood (or Hop-Hornbeam), and Shagbark Hickory. While discussing Ironwood, we were shown how its bark grows in thin vertical strips often described as “cat-scratch bark.”

Ironwood is also known for its strong wood and is ideal for the creation of fence posts and tool handles. When Celia asked another Tree Champion (who spent his career at Davey Tree Service) if there was anything else to say, he promptly added, “It will dull your saw!”

Along the boardwalk were Basswood, Hickory, Maples, and the perfect insects to see on a tree walk.

The walk concluded with a look at a Bitternut Hickory, with its unique sulphur-yellow buds. Leaves are compound with 7-9 leaflets, and unlike Shagbark Hickory, its bark is smooth and does not peel.

A HUGE thanks to Celia and the Northville Tree Champions, the event participants who joined us on this lovely day, and the Friends of Maybury volunteers for all of their support during the walk.

Learn more about Northville Tree Champions and their commitment to the trees of Northville by visiting their website and subscribing to their email list.