Part of my daily routine that I’ve developed while at home during breaks is that I take my dog on long hikes around the natural areas around my hometown. I insist on the hours long walks since she doesn’t get out as much when I’m away. This phenology blog has already seen some of these adventures (See Thanksgiving Break). This post however, is not one of those. However, one upside about only being able to walk around my neighborhood is that there is a very beautiful short forested trail that leads to a dammed part of the Nesenkeag Brook that runs by my house. I wish I could get more info on the stream history itself but not much is available. It’s a really beautiful spot and I’m pretty sure the damming is the product of some beavers nearby!
This is the entrance trail to the path! As you can tell from the fallen leaves that the forest is a mix of Red Oaks, White Birches, and Pine. Also pictured is my dog, Millie.
This wetland is the coolest part of the whole site, and it is a result of a dam in the photo to the left. Here is better photo and video of the dam on a different day.
The path follows the stream a little further on and then continues into the forest. Along that path are some beautiful Christmas Ferns.
The existence of this path is kind of ambiguous, since it is between a neighborhood and a senior living community. I think it’s likely it was constructed for access to services for the senior community.
And finally, Millie getting a little too excited around the stream.