Mariton: Looking at Fall

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photos by Carole Mebus.

Shagbark Hickory

The last Tuesday Nature Walk of the season. It was a little breezy, but no gnats.  We knew it would be a good day for watching raptors in the fields on top of the hill, but we decided spend more time in the woods.  Right now, the various hickories have a golden glow.  The spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a kodachrome yellow.  The Tuliptree leaves on the trail “echo” the color with a little more orange.  Even on a cloudy day it is like “walking on sunshine.”

Tupelo Tree

I have trouble identifying Tupelo, or Black Gum, (Nyssa sylvatica) by its bark, but at this time of the year its brilliant red is apparent from a distance.   I didn’t realize how much Tupelo was growing at Mariton until I started looking for it in the fall.

Witch Hazel Blossom

Right now is when the Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) begins to bloom.  This delicate yellow flower is a highlight of fall for me.  This sub-canopy, gracefully arching tree is often overlooked until this time of year.

Tuliptree Seed Pod