Yesterday afternoon I joined in another Thames Talbot Land Trust outing. This one was to Sitler Woods in the Skunk's Misery complex. Sitler Woods was acquired in 2019, securing a significant piece (20 hectares) of rich woodland. There is a great diversity of species including plants, trees and birds. Acadian Flycatcher and Hooded Warbler are quite reliable here each year.
Some plants include American Chestnut, Spicebush, Maple-leaved Viburnum, Buttonbush, Wingstem, Sessile-leaved Bellwort, Poke Milkweed and Cancer-root.
The tour lasted over two hours and was ably led by Donald Craig, retired forester of St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. The theme of the outing was forest health, and various aspects of that were discussed and observed.
The property was previously owned by the Sitler family who used it for hunting and a nature retreat. The remains of the old shack can be seen.
Donald pointed out that there are five species of dogwood on the property. Some of those included are Alternate, Round-leaved and Flowering. Flowering Dogwood is quite plentiful on the property.
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| flowering dogwood |
I did not have much opportunity to take photos (or proper ones), so perhaps next year I can visit the site for a closer look.
The property has a good variety of trees. Perhaps one of the more siginificant is American Chestnut, which as we know, was almost wiped out mainly from chestnut blight a long time ago. There are some decent sized trees, and some young ones that can be found.
Lots of Black Cherry are on the site as well.
Black Ash is here too. Here is a young one.
I found the tour quite interesting and informative, and look forward to another visit in the future!
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| Buttonbush swamp |
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