Category: Hike

Trip Facts

Parking Location: Main parking for the Interpretive Area
Parking Availability : 100 or so slots
Fee: $5 per car
Hours: 8 AM to Dusk
Verizon INTERNET Coverage: 2 bars
Month Recorded: July

This is a short, easy hike in the Interpretive Area containing the exhibits, consisting primarily of a stroll through open meadows. It has little shade, so try to come on a cool day. Along the way, you will encounter a number of historical signs and exhibits, while also enjoying great views of Timberneck Creek and the York River. As a bonus, you can also drive or walk to the nearby dock area for shorebirds and crabs. If you want to explore more of the park, see the trail map link below.

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To learn more about this site, click the link below:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/machicomoco

For more hikes in the park, see the trail map:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-machicomoco.pdf

Trailhead

The trail starts just to the left of the restrooms. Note that the interpretive trail has blazed red posts.

Diamondback Terrapin

We happened to see this terrapin near the restrooms, but it usually inhabits shorelines and marshes.

Common Name: Diamonback Terrapin
Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin

The diamondback terrapin is a species of turtle native to the brackish coastal tidal marshes of the eastern and southern United States. It has one of the largest ranges of all turtles in North America, stretching as far south as the Florida Keys and as far north as Cape Cod. The name "terrapin" is derived from the Algonquian word torope. The name originally was used by early European settlers in North America to describe these brackish-water turtles that inhabited neither freshwater habitats nor the sea. The common name refers to the diamond pattern on top of its shell (carapace), but the overall pattern and coloration vary greatly.

Terrapins look much like their freshwater relatives, but are well adapted to the near shore marine environment. They have several adaptations that allow them to survive in varying salinities. They can live in full strength salt water for extended periods, and their skin is largely impermeable to salt. Terrapins also exhibit unusual and sophisticated behavior to obtain fresh water, including drinking the freshwater surface layer that can accumulate on top of salt water during rainfall and raising their heads into the air with mouths open to catch falling rain drops. Terrapins are strong swimmers. They have strongly webbed hind feet, but not flippers as do sea turtles. They have strong jaws for crushing shells of prey, such as clams and snails. This is especially true of females, who have larger and more muscular jaws than males. Terrapins tend to live in the same areas for most or all of their lives, and do not make long distance migrations.

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To find out more about this animal, visit this site:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondback_terrapin
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Text - Encyclopedia of Life,Wikipwdia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life,Kelly Creger,cc-by-nc-sa,Unmodified

Eastern Meadowlark

You may see this bird flying through the fields.

Common Name: Eastern Meadowlark

Eastern meadowlarks are medium-sized songbirds, with long, slender, light gray bills and dark brown eyes. Male Eastern Meadowlarks have grayish heads with blackish stripes, a yellow “eyebrow”, and dark crowns with a median stripe. The wings and tail are streaked and barred with dark and light brown. Males have a broad white moustachial stripe and a yellow chin, which is divided from the underparts by a broad black breast band. Females are similar to males except that they are smaller, paler, and have a narrower breast band. The Eastern Meadowlark is a bird of open fields and pastures, meadows, and prairies, and populations in the eastern United States have declined in recent decades as acreage of these habitats has declined. Their diet varies with the season. In the spring they feed mainly on cutworms, grubs, and caterpillars. When summer comes they eat insects, primarily beetles and grasshoppers. These birds sing from fenceposts and telephone lines or stalk through the grasses, probing the ground for insects with their long, sharp bills. On the ground, their brown-and-black dappled upperparts camouflage the birds among dirt clods and dry grasses.

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To find out more about this bird, visit the Cornell birding site:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Meadowlark/id
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, © The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors Source: Animal Diversity Web, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Sturnella magna © Greg Lasley, Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) ,Unmodified
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Boardwalk

Walk the boardwalk for more views of the York River.

Timberneck House

The Timberneck farmhouse was built for the Catlett family c. 1800, with an addition added around 1850.

Resting Spot

Sit in the shade of a large oak tree and enjoy the views.

End of the Trail

The trail ends at this high viewpoint on a peninsula. Return the way you came.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Common Name: Grasshopper Sparrow

A small (4 ½ inches) sparrow named for its insect-like song, the Grasshopper Sparrow is easy to overlook. Mostly buff-brown streaked with brown above and cream below, this sparrow may be identified from its large head, small body, and pale eye-stripes. Males and females are similar to one another in all seasons, while the juvenile has a streaked breast. Despite its wide distribution, the Grasshopper Sparrow is an uncommon breeder throughout most of its breeding range due to specific habitat requirements. The Grasshopper Sparrow inhabits grassland habitats in its breeding and winter ranges. This species prefers grasslands that are drier and more open, with less ground-covering grass litter, than those inhabited by Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii). In summer, Grasshopper Sparrows eat insects (coincidentally, grasshoppers make up a significant portion of their diet), while in winter, they primarily eat seeds. Grasshopper Sparrows forage on the ground. Like many grassland-dwelling bird species, the Grasshopper Sparrow is best identified by ear, specifically by listening for its insect-like song. Due to its feeding habits and cryptic coloration, Grasshopper Sparrows are difficult to see while at rest, and may be most easily seen while on short flights above the grass.

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To find out more about this bird, visit the Cornell birding site:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Grasshopper_Sparrow/id
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, © Smithsonian Institution Supplier: Robert Costello, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life, DSW_1033a © Jerry Oldenettel , Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) ,Unmodified
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Common Yarrow

Common Name: Common Yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Blooming Time: Apr-Nov

Yarrow is a perennial herb that can spread both by seed and by means of creeping stems, known as stolons. It occupies many diverse habitats, including sunny pastures, meadows and roadsides with dry soils, stream sides and waste grounds with sandy or salty soils, and damp woodlands with clay soils. The erect stems are woolly and the dense, flattened flower-heads are typically white, but more rarely they may be pink or reddish. The leaves are deeply divided, forming many small lobes; this feature is referred to by the specific Latin name, millefolium, which means 'thousand leaf'. The name of the genus, Achillea is thought to have arisen as it is said that Achilles used this herb to treat the wounds of his soldiers. The whole plant has a strongly aromatic scent. Yarrow was once held in high esteem as a medicinal plant, and has been used to staunch wounds and to ward off illness and bad luck. Conversely it was believed to be one of the Devil's herbs, and was used in divination. It was also said to cause nosebleeds if a leaf was put into the nostril, and the plant was known as 'nosebleed' in some areas. The leaves and flowers have a bitter, astringent and pungent taste; the alternative common name 'old man's pepper' refers to this quality. Native Americans used tea made from western yarrow to relieve ear-, tooth-, and headaches; as an eyewash; to reduce swelling; and as a tonic or stimulant. Yarrow is a source of nectar for many species of flies, wasps and a few bees. Some grasshoppers, aphids, beetles and caterpillars may feed on it.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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To find out more about this plant, go here:
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, © Wildscreen Source: ARKive, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
Photo – Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Achillea millefolium © Tichomír Dunlop , Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) , Unmodified

Trip Facts

Parking Location: Main parking near the Visitors Center
Parking Availability : 100+ spaces
Fee: $4 per vehicle
Hours: 8 AM to Dusk
Verizon INTERNET Coverage: 1 bar (download trips and maps)
Month Recorded: December


Known in its early history as Taskinas Plantation, this was the site of a 17th and 18th century public tobacco warehouse where local planters stored their crops to be shipped to England. Remnants of wooden "corduroy" roads dating from this period can still be seen along Taskinas Creek at low tide. Occurring on an unusually warm day in December, this hike combined portions of multiple trails, including the Backbone, Spur, Majestic Oak, and Powhatan Forks Trails. Most of these trails are spurs off of the Backbone Trail. For a trail map, go here:
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/documents/yorkriver.pdf

The trail briefly parallels the park access road, then heads into the woods. Highlights include archaeological sites for the former plantation, large oaks, views of the York River, a boardwalk, and steep creek ravines. Along the way, a variety of the usual winter woodland birds were seen, including golden-crowned kinglets and a pileated woodpecker. These trails are highly recommended.

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This hike is described in the 60 Hikes book - here is an Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Within-Miles-Williamsburg-Fredericksburg/dp/089732708X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428101620&sr=8-1&keywords=60HikesRichmond

To learn more about this site, click the link below:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river

Trailhead

From the end of the parking lot, follow the paved path beside the road. This is the Backbone Trail.

Turn Left

Stay on the Backbone Trail

Slave Quarters

Here are the remains of the slave quarters for the Taskinas Plantation from the 1700's, as well as other structures. Read the signs and explore the area, then continue on the Backbone Trail.

Mountain Laurel

Common Name: Mountain Laurel
Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

This plant, also known as calico-bush or spoonwood, is a species of flowering plant in the Heather family, Ericaceae, that is native to the eastern United States. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3–9 m tall. Its flowers are round, ranging from light pink to white, and occur in clusters. The plant is naturally found on rocky slopes and mountainous forest areas. It thrives in acidic soil, preferring a soil pH in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. The plant often grows in large thickets, covering great areas of forest floor. Black bears are known to den in "ground nests" in mountain-laurel thickets. The wood of mountain-laurel has a long history of uses by native and Euro-Americans. It has been used in the manufacturing of pipes, wreaths, roping, furniture, bowls, utensils, and various other household goods and novelties.

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Text - Encyclopedia of Life, Encyclopedia of Life,Source: Wikipedia ,Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo - Image of Kalmia latifolia© Jessica, Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0), Unmodified

Majestic Oak

Here, the trail passes an oak tree estimated to be between 200 and 400 years old. The tree is believed to be the oldest oak in the park. Update: This tree may have toppled - pay your respects to a fallen giant.

Views of the York River

　　　　　　　　　　

Boardwalk Across the Marsh

Look for Ospreys and Baid Eagles.

Resting Spot

Here, you can rest your feet in a quiet spot.

Taskinas Plantation

Observe the ruins of the former plantation.

Trip Facts

Parking Location: Just east of Lancaster on Route 3, turn left on Route 604 – the parking lot is .25 mile on the left.
Parking Availability : There is room for 5-10 cars
Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Verizon INTERNET Coverage: 2 bars
Month Recorded: May

Hickory Hollow has an extensive trail network, with up to 6 miles of trails to choose from. The signboard near the parking lot provides an overview of the various trail segments. This hike will traverse 3.5 miles of the network, using the White trail as the backbone, with detours on the Yellow, Red and Brown trails. While there are a few hills to climb, the hike is easy to moderate in difficulty.

For this trip, we will focus on the diversity of birds and wildflowers you may encounter. A hike in May can be especially productive for finding the natural treasures here. Many wildflowers will be blooming, and migratory birds (especially warblers) will be evident.

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For a complete list of the plants to be found in Hickory Hollow, go here:
http://www.northernneckaudubon.org/Resources_files/Plant-List-for-Hickory-Hollow.pdf

To see a list of birds, go here:
http://ebird.org/ebird/barchart?byr=1900&eyr=2017&bmo=1&emo=12&r=L718506

This hike is described in the 60 Hikes book – here is an Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Within-Miles-Williamsburg-Fredericksburg/dp/089732708X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428101620&sr=8-1&keywords=60HikesRichmond

To learn more about this site, click the link below:
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/hickory

Trail Map

Have a look at the trail map before you get started. You can easily add distance to your hike by taking a spur trail.

Black-Throated Blue Warbler

If you come here in May, one bird to look for is the Black-Throated Blue Warbler. It will be just passing through on spring migration, so finding it would be a coup.

Common Name: Black-Throated Blue Warbler

A medium-sized (5-5 ½ inches) wood warbler, the male Black-throated Blue Warbler is most easily identified by its bluish-gray head and back, black throat, and white breast. Female Black-throated Blue Warblers are pale brownish-gray overall with a faint white eye-stripes. Black-throated Blue Warblers primarily breed in deciduous or mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, preferring dense forest to more open woodland. Black-throated Blue Warblers primarily eat small invertebrates, including insects and spiders, but this species may also eat seeds and berries in winter. In appropriate habitat, Black-throated Blue Warblers may be observed foraging for insects on leaves, twigs, and branches in the lower canopy. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species’ song, a buzzing “zur zur zur zreee.”
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To find out more about this bird, visit the Cornell birding site:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler/id
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, © Smithsonian Institution Supplier: Robert Costello, Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life, Black-throated Blue Warbler 2-20110414 © Kenneth Cole Schneider , Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0),Unmodified
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Ovenbird

Ovenbird

A medium-sized (6 inches) wood warbler, the Ovenbird is most easily identified by its light brown upperparts, streaked breast, and orange crown patch. Ovenbirds breed in a number of woodland habitats, primarily dense forests partially or entirely composed of deciduous trees. Ovenbirds may be seen walking on the forest floor while searching for insects in and among dead leaves. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species’ song, a loud “teacher teacher teacher” commonly heard in northern forests in spring.

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To find out more about this bird, visit the Cornell birding site:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ovenbird/id
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Text - Encyclopedia of Life, Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) © Unknown , Supplier: DC Birds
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life,Image of Seiurus aurocapilla© cyric,Unmodified
Sounds - Encyclopedia of Life,Sound from xeno-canto. XC54136 Seiurus aurocapilla (Ovenbird)© Mike Nelson , Unmodified

Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Acadian Flycatcher

Acadian Flycatcher

A small (5 ½ inches) flycatcher resembling several related species in the genus Empidonax, the Acadian Flycatcher may best be separated from its relatives not by appearance, but by its ‘pit-see!’ song. Physical field marks include a green-gray body, white eye ring, pale breast, thin bill, and white wing bars. Male and female Acadian Flycatchers are similar to one another in all seasons.

Acadian Flycatchers breed in mature deciduous forests and, in parts of the southeastern U.S., in swamp forests dominated by bald cypress.This species primarily eats insects. In northern forests in summer, Acadian Flycatchers are most likely to be seen perching in the forest canopy while gleaning insects from leaves. Even when active, however, the Acadian Flycatcher is a difficult bird to identify. Learning this species’ song is crucial to separating it from its relatives, and silent birds are frequently impossible to identify in areas with multiple Empidonax species.

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To find out more about this bird, visit the Cornell birding site:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Acadian_Flycatcher/id
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Text - Encyclopedia of Life,© Unknown Supplier: DC Birds
Photo - Encyclopedia of Life,Image of Empidonax virescens
© Greg Lasley ,Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0) ,Unmodified
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Large Twayblade

Common Name: Large Twayblade
Scientific Name: Liparis liliifolia
Blooming Time: May-Jun

This inconspicuous, native orchid blooms in May and June. Each plant grows from a new underground corm; the previous year’s corm withers away. Two oval, waxy leaves emerge in April and eventually reach 4 to 6 inches in height. The small flowers begin to form in May, and are clustered on a single stalk.
The flowers are so delicate that in order to appreciate them, you really need to get down on the ground to look closely. Twayblade flowers are irregular in shape; the overall form of the flower suggests a flying insect–maybe an ungainly crane fly. At a distance, the inflorescence appears pink to brown in color; up close, they are actually mauve, pale green and purple.
The genus name Liparis comes from the Greek word for fat or greasy, which may refer to the overly shiny surface of the leaf. Liliifolia refers to the oval shape of the leaves, which resembles plants in the lily family. This flower prefers mesic to moist deciduous forests, pine woods, and often disturbed habitats undergoing succession.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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To find out more about this plant, go here:
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LILI3
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Text – Virginia Wildflowers Web site, https://virginiawildflowers.org/2015/06/14/lily-leaved-twayblade/
Photo – Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Liparis liliifolia© John Hilty, Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0), Unmodified

Cucumber Root

Common Name: Cucumber Root
Scientific Name: Medeola virginiana
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

Cucumber root occurs with either a single tier or two tiers of leaves. The upper tier consists of from three to five whorled leaves on the stem above a lower tier of five to nine (also whorled). Only the two-tiered plants produce flowers which are green-to-yellow and appear from May to June. When two-tiered, it grows up to 30 inches high. The waxy leaves are typically 2.5 inches long and about an inch wide, but can be as long as five inches. The leaves have an entire margin. It typically produces three dark blue to purple, inedible berries above the top tier of leaves in September .

This plant produces a crisp, edible tuber that smells and tastes like garden cucumber. It grows in rich, moist woods. The Iroquois of eastern North America used M. virginiana as an anticonvulsive, pediatric aid.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Text - Encyclopedia of Life, Source: Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo - Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Medeola virginiana
© John Hilty,Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0) Unmodified

Striped Wintergreen

Common Name: Striped Wintergreen
Scientific Name: Chimaphila maculata
Blooming Time: May-Jul

This plant has dark green, variegated leaves 2–7 cm in length, and 6–26 mm in width. The variegation of the leaves arises from the distinct white veins contrasted with the dark green of the leaf. The stems emerge from creeping rhizomes. The nearly round flowers, which appear in May and July, are found on top of tall stalks. They are white or pinkish and are insect pollinated. The flowers mature to small (6 to 8 mm in diameter) capsules bearing the seeds of the plant, which are dispersed by the wind. It can be found in sandy habitats, well-drained upland forests, oak-pine woods, and similar mesic habitats. It is very tolerant of acidic soil.

The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' -- which means 'breaks into small pieces' -- after the supposed ability to break down gallstones and kidney stones. Native Americans used its leaf tea to treat rheumatism and stomach problems, and crushed leaves were applied as a poultice to sores and wounds.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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To find out more about this plant, go here:
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Text - Encyclopedia of Life,Source: Wikipedia,Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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Skunk Cabbage

Common Name: Skunk Cabbage
Scientific Name: Symplocarpus foetidus
Blooming Time: Jan-Mar

In late winter/early spring, you are likely to find the flowers of this herbaceous plant popping out of the ground in wetland areas. The exotic, brownish-red flower comes up before the leaves are formed. Through a chemical process, flower can heat itself to about 15 degrees Celcius. This allows it to burn its way through snow cover. Sometimes called first flower of spring. The flower may be heavily mottled with green and maroon streaks and spots, and it is thick-skinned and leathery. Skunk cabbage gets its name from the fact that the plant smells pretty darn skunky if you break off one of the leaves and take a whiff. The flowers are likewise odiferous, but at least in their case, the strong odor of rotting flesh is functional in attracting pollinators–like carrion flies.
By early April, the flowers start to die back just as the bright green leaves simultaneously erupt from the ground. Once that happens, you can spot a patch of skunk cabbage from a good distance away because the tall (15-inch) leafy plants are obvious.
Even though the attractive, “lettuce-like” leaves of skunk cabbage look tasty, you really should refrain from snacking on this plant while you are out in the woods. Skunk cabbage is poisonous to mammals, and if eaten, the leaves will burn your mouth because they contain calcium oxalate crystals.
In the 19th century, skunk cabbage was used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and dropsy. Skunk cabbage was used extensively as a medicinal plant, seasoning, and magical talisman by various tribes of Native Americans.
DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Text – Virginia Wildflowers, https://virginiawildflowers.org/2015/03/08/skunk-cabbage/
Photo – Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Symplocarpus foetidus© Katja Schulz , Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) , Unmodified

American False-hellebore

Common Name: American False-hellebore
Scientific Name: Veratrum viride
Blooming Time: Jun-Aug

Veratrum viride (Indian Poke, Indian Hellebore, False Hellebore, Green False Hellebore) is a species of Veratrum native to eastern and western (but not central) North America. It is a stout plant with large leaves clasping the stem that bears a branching cluster of greenish, star-shaped, hairy flowers. It is extremely toxic, and is considered a pest plant by farmers with livestock. The species has acquired a large number of common names within its native range, including American False Hellebore, American White Hellebore, Bear Corn, Big Hellebore, Corn Lily, Devils Bite, Duck Retten, Indian Hellebore, Itch-weed, Itchweed, Poor Annie, Blue Hellebore, and Tickleweed. It is found in wet soils in meadows, sunny streambanks, and open forests, from sea level in the north of the range, up to 1,600 m in the southeast and 2,500 m in the southwest. Among Native Americans, the plant was used by some tribes to elect a new leader. All the candidates would eat the root, and the last to start vomiting would become the new leader.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Common Yellowthroat

Common Name: Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a common breeding bird across most of North America, from Canada south through Mexico, with a winter range extending from the southern United States to northern South America. Common Yellowthroats tend to stay low in grassy fields, thickets, and marshes. They breed most abundantly in marshes (especially cattails) and other very wet habitats with low, dense growth. During migration and in winter they are less closely associated with marshes and may occur in any sort of brushy or wooded area.

The diet of the Common Yellowthroat consists mainly of insects and spiders, but includes some seeds.
During courtship, the male displays to the female by flicking his wings and tail, following her closely, and performing a flight display in which he may climb up to 30 m in the air and returns to another low perch, calling and singing.

Common Yellowthroats generally nest less than a meter from the ground. The young remain dependent on their parents for longer than most other wood warblers. Common Yellowthroats are very commonly "parasitized" by Brown-headed Cowbirds, which are "brood parasites", laying their eggs in the nests of birds of other species in lieu of building their own.

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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) © Leo Shapiro Supplier: Leo Shapiro
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Mountain Laurel

Common Name: Mountain Laurel
Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

This plant, also known as calico-bush or spoonwood, is a species of flowering plant in the Heather family, Ericaceae, that is native to the eastern United States. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3–9 m tall. Its flowers are round, ranging from light pink to white, and occur in clusters. The plant is naturally found on rocky slopes and mountainous forest areas. It thrives in acidic soil, preferring a soil pH in the 4.5 to 5.5 range. The plant often grows in large thickets, covering great areas of forest floor. Black bears are known to den in "ground nests" in mountain-laurel thickets. The wood of mountain-laurel has a long history of uses by native and Euro-Americans. It has been used in the manufacturing of pipes, wreaths, roping, furniture, bowls, utensils, and various other household goods and novelties.

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Prothonotary Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

A medium-sized (5 ½ inches) wood warbler, the male Prothonotary Warbler is most easily identified by its olive back, gray wings and tail, and bright yellow breast and head. The female Prothonotary Warbler is similar to the male, but is somewhat duller, particularly on the head and breast. Prothonotary Warblers breed in wooded freshwater swamps, nesting in abandoned woodpecker nest holes. particularly in mangroves. Prothonotary Warblers primarily eat small insects and spiders, but may also eat seeds and other plant material during the winter. In appropriate swampy habitats, Prothonotary Warblers may be seen flitting through the undergrowth or low forest canopy, gleaning insects and spiders from leaves and twigs. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species’ song, a series of metallic “zweet” syllables repeated in rapid succession.

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Text - Encyclopedia of Life,© Unknown Supplier: DC Birds, Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Rattlesnake Weed

Common Name: Rattlesnake Weed
Scientific Name: Hieracium venosum
Blooming Time: Apr-Jul

The leaves of this plant are the real attraction. A basal rosette of oval, bluish green leaves hugs the forest floor. Each leaf is outlined with deep purple veins that form a net-like pattern. From May to September, the plant can be found in bloom in shady, dry forests. The dandelion-like, yellow flower heads appear in open clusters on a long, leafless stalk. The common name of this native perennial comes from the fact that it occurs in the same dry, mountain habitats preferred by rattlesnakes! Fortunately, you are not likely to see rattlesnakes here.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Pink Ladys-slipper

Common Name: Pink Lady's Slipper
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
Blooming Time: Apr-May

Cypripedium acaule is a member of the orchid genus Cypripedium. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as lady's slipper orchids. First described in 1789 by Scottish botanist William Aiton, C. acaule is commonly referred to as the pink lady's slipper, stemless lady's-slipper, or moccasin flower. Cypripedium acaule occurs in a variety of habitats from dry forests, especially pine woods, often in humus mats covering rock outcrops, to moist woods, bogs, swamps, brushy barrens, heath, and roadsides. The species also grows in deciduous woods and mesic white pinewoods.

Cypripedium acaule prefers sandy soil, rich in humus, strongly acidic and aerated. The species grows in moderate shade and well-drained slopes. It flowers from April to June. The roots of C. acaule have been used as a sedative. Bees and other insects are lured to the showy and fragrant flower of this orchid by deception, as it provides neither nectar nor accessible pollen.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Trip Facts

Parking Location: Main lot off Burnley Station Road (Rte 641). Trail starts from end of lot.
Parking Availability : 40 cars, with additional parking for horse trailers
Fee: None
Hours: 7:00am to dark
Verizon INTERNET Coverage: 3 bars
Month Recorded: May

This hike is fairly short, but it will give you a good introduction to the features of the park. It travels down a slope to Preddy Creek, follows the creek for about 1/2 mile, then climbs back up the slope to follow a ridge. Along the way, you should encounter interesting wildlife specimens and enjoy the abundance of natural treasures in the maturing forest. Be aware that the trails are heavily used by mountain bikers and horse riders, so stay alert for passing travellers.

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http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=parks&relpage=12589

To see a map of the trails, go here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/Parks_and_Recreation/forms/PreddyCreek_PageSize_waypoints%20(003).pdf

Trailhead

From the end of the parking lot, pass by the restroom and head down the wide path.

Mapleleaf Viburnum

Common Name: Mapleleaf Viburnum
Scientific Name: Viburnum acerifolium
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

Maple-leaf arrow-wood is a low, densely branched shrub, 4-6 ft. tall and 3-4 ft. wide. Flat-topped clusters of white flowers are followed by berries turning from red to blue-black. Bright- to dark-green, deciduous foliage, maple-like in shape, is very colorful in fall. Mapleleaf viburnum has been cultivated since 1736 for its attractive flowers and foliage. Mapleleaf viburnum occurs in upland forests, woodlands, ravine slopes, and hillsides.
Deer, rabbits, mice, skunks, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasants, wild turkeys, and many species of songbirds eat the fruits of maple-leaf viburnum. Deer, moose, rabbits, and beavers eat the twigs, bark, and leaves. The relatively low-growing plants provide good nesting and escape cover for birds and small mammals. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees, flies, wasps, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Native Americans used the plant to treat fevers, pain, cramps, and other ailments.
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To find out more about this tree, visit this site:
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VIAC
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & the Biota of North America Program Source: USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Public Domain Mark 1.0
Photo – Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Viburnum acerifolium © Anita , Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) ,Unmodified
Photo Gallery - © Copyright 2015, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, et al

View from the Bridge

Here is a bridge crosses Preddy Creek. There are additional trails on the other side of the creek. For our hike, we took a short walk on the bridge, then returned to keep going on the Creekside Trail.

Eastern Boxelder

Common Name: Eastern Boxelder
Scientific Name: Acer negundo

Boxelder (Acer negundo) is one of the most widespread and best known of the maples. Its other common names include ashleaf maple, boxelder maple, Manitoba maple, California boxelder, and western boxelder. The common name, “boxelder,” refers to the resemblance of its leaves to elder (Sambucus) and the use of the soft wood for box making. “Ashleaf maple,” refers to the resemblance to ash (Fraxinus).

Boxelder is generally a tree of river bottoms and disturbed sites on heavy, wet or seasonally flooded soils, where it usually follows cottonwood and willow species in colonizing alluvial bottoms. Populations in native habitats have decreased because of clearing of bottomland forest for agriculture, but they have greatly increased in urban areas, where it readily colonizes disturbed sites due to its prolific seed production, wide dispersal, ease of germination, tolerance of cold, drought, and low-oxygen conditions, and fast growth on clay or heavy fill. It frequently grows along fencerows, railroad tracks, ditches, and abandoned lots.

Boxelder was widely planted in the Great Plains as a shelterbelt tree—its shallow, fibrous root system helped reduce wind erosion and dust storms—but shelterbelts have largely been removed. It was also widely planted in the U.S. as a street tree, and ornamental cultivars have been developed (including forms with variegated leaves and without seeds). Boxelder's abundant sap contains a large proportion of sugar as well as mucilaginous and demulcent properties, and can be made into a pleasant beverage. The Plains Indians used the sap as a source of syrup, and it is still used today, but the product is not as sweet as sugar maple syrup .

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To find out more about this tree, visit this site:
https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/acer/negundo.htm
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Text – Encyclopedia of Life, Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0) © Jacqueline Courteau, modified from USDA NRCS PLANTS Database. Supplier: Jacqueline Courtea
Photo – Encyclopedia of Life, Acer negundo © Anthony Mendoza, ,Unmodified
Photo Gallery - © Copyright 2015, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, et al
More Text – United States Department of Agriculture,Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 654,

Common Tall Meadow-rue

Common Name: Common Tall Meadow-rue
Scientific Name: Thalictrum pubescens
Blooming Time:Apr-Aug

As its name implies, Common Tall Meadow-rue is a .tall plant, growing 2-7 feet high. It is typically found growing in rich woods, low thickets, marshes, swamps, wet meadows and stream/river banks. Its large, compound leaves are divided three leaflets that look like paws. The margin of each individual leaflet is gently rounded into lobes. The cream-colored flowers have numerous, showy, thread-like stamens and lack petals. They usually bloom in summer and are said to be constantly visited by bees and butterflies. The Iroquois used this plant externally to treat nosebleeds, and internally to treat gall conditions. The Montagnais used the leaves as a spice to flavor salmon.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Text – Adirondacks Forever Wild, https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-wildflowers-tall-meadow-rue-thalictrum-pubescens.html, 5/28/2020
Photo – flickr.comtall plant , Doug McGrady, Thalictrum pubescens (tall meadow-rue), Foster, RI, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) , Unmodified

Black Cohosh

Common Name: Black Cohosh
Scientific Name: Actaea racemosa
Blooming Time: May-Aug

Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, fairy candle; syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) is a species of flowering plant of the family Ranunculaceae. It grows in a variety of woodland habitats, and is often found in small woodland openings. The roots and rhizomes have long been used medicinally by Native Americans. Extracts from these plant materials are thought to possess analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, black cohosh extracts are being studied as effective treatments for symptoms associated with menopause.

While this plant most often flowers between late June and August, it can still be recognized earlier in the year by its distinctive leaves. The flowers have a distinctly sweet, fetid smell that attracts flies, gnats, and beetles.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Photo2 - Encyclopedia of Life,Cimicifuga racemosa (Ranunculaceae) - leaf - basal or on lower stem © Steven J. Baskauf ,Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) , Unmodified

Cucumber Root

Common Name: Cucumber Root
Scientific Name: Medeola virginiana
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

Cucumber root occurs with either a single tier or two tiers of leaves. The upper tier consists of from three to five whorled leaves on the stem above a lower tier of five to nine (also whorled). Only the two-tiered plants produce flowers which are green-to-yellow and appear from May to June. When two-tiered, it grows up to 30 inches high. The waxy leaves are typically 2.5 inches long and about an inch wide, but can be as long as five inches. The leaves have an entire margin. It typically produces three dark blue to purple, inedible berries above the top tier of leaves in September .

This plant produces a crisp, edible tuber that smells and tastes like garden cucumber. It grows in rich, moist woods. The Iroquois of eastern North America used M. virginiana as an anticonvulsive, pediatric aid.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Trail Closure

During the time we came, the trail was blocked for maintenance. Take the side trail on the right to circle around the closure.

Cabin Ruins

Here are the ruins of a home site, accessible off a short detour from the Preddy Creek Trail. There is a concrete pad that can be used for a rest or a picnic. When you leave, head further down the detour path to join up with the Mundy Place trail.

Large Twayblade

Common Name: Large Twayblade
Scientific Name: Liparis liliifolia
Blooming Time: May-Jun

This inconspicuous, native orchid blooms in May and June. Each plant grows from a new underground corm; the previous year’s corm withers away. Two oval, waxy leaves emerge in April and eventually reach 4 to 6 inches in height. The small flowers begin to form in May, and are clustered on a single stalk.
The flowers are so delicate that in order to appreciate them, you really need to get down on the ground to look closely. Twayblade flowers are irregular in shape; the overall form of the flower suggests a flying insect–maybe an ungainly crane fly. At a distance, the inflorescence appears pink to brown in color; up close, they are actually mauve, pale green and purple.
The genus name Liparis comes from the Greek word for fat or greasy, which may refer to the overly shiny surface of the leaf. Liliifolia refers to the oval shape of the leaves, which resembles plants in the lily family. This flower prefers mesic to moist deciduous forests, pine woods, and often disturbed habitats undergoing succession.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Text – Virginia Wildflowers Web site, https://virginiawildflowers.org/2015/06/14/lily-leaved-twayblade/
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Downy Rattlesnake-plantain

Common Name: Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Scientific Name: Goodyera pubescens
Blooming Time: Jun-Aug

Goodyera pubescens is an evergreen terrestrial herb with variegated leaves. The common names refer to the mottled leaves, which resemble a snakes skin, a similarity that once suggested their use as a snakebite remedy. It is a creeping plant that divides on the ground surface and sends out short stolons. It may be terrestrial or, occasionally, epipetric, growing on rock shelves. It prefers mildly to moderately acidic soils, such as in oak-heath forests. Native Americans used it to treat snakebites, burns and many other ailments.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Trip Facts

Parking Location: Behind Berkeley Middle School, near the ball field. Take the entrance road on the far left of the building.
Parking Availability : 50-80 cars when school is not in session - come when the school is closed.
Fee: None
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Verizon INTERNET Coverage: 4 bars
Month Recorded: April

This hike takes you through a mature forest and along stream sides, ultimately arriving at a nice view of Lake Matoaka. There is an abundance of wildflowers here in the spring, and birding can also be productive. Due to the small hills to climb, this trail is rated moderate in difficulty.


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Trailhead

Walk behind the building, turn left and follow the edge of the fence around the ball field.

Large Yellow Ladys-slipper

Common Name: Large Yellow Ladys-slipper
Scientific Name: Cypripedium parviflorum
Blooming Time: Apr-Jun

Cypripedium parviflorum, commonly known as yellow lady's slipper or moccasin flower, is a lady's slipper orchid native to North America. It is widespread, ranging from Alaska south to Arizona and Georgia. Its flower is irregular with a yellow pouch-shaped lower lip up to 2 inches long and a V-shaped column above the mouth of the pouch. The column and rim of the mouth are usually covered in reddish spots or stripes and there may be faint stripes on the sides and bottom of the pouch. Habitats include moist to dry deciduous woodlands, sandy woodlands and savannas, thinly wooded bluffs along rivers, wooded slopes, and forested bogs. The showy flowers attract mostly small bees and various flies. This plant has been used historically as a folk remedy for ailments ranging from nervous conditions, headaches, fevers, stomach disorders, epileptic fits, insomnia, and muscle cramps.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Wild Comfrey

Common Name: Wild Comfrey
Scientific Name: Cynoglossum virginianum
Blooming Time:Mar-Jul

Wild comfrey, is a plant native to North America. It is also sometimes called the blue houndstongue. It gets its name from the appearance of its leaves that look like a dog's tongue, which translates to Cynoglossum in Greek. Wild Comfrey may require fire to eliminate competition and increase light to help nurture itself. This is a herbaceous plant that is covered with stiff hairs. The flowers have 5 regular parts and are pale blue or lilac, sometimes white. Fruit: Each flower produces four small nuttlets covered with bristles that cling to fur and clothing. For a long time, Wild Comfrey has been used to help treat wounds and to flush out any internal digestive disorders and respiratory infections. It also acts as a sedative medication. Because of one of the active substances in the plant, large doses of it should not be taken because it can cause liver problems.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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Louisiana Waterthrush

Common Name: Common Name

A large (6 inches) wood warbler, the Louisiana Waterthrush is most easily identified by its brown back and wings, whitish breast streaked with brown, and conspicuous white eye stripe. This species is physically similar to the related Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis), although that species is typically darker yellow and more streaked below and on the face. Male and female Louisiana Waterthrushes are similar to one another in all seasons. Louisiana Waterthrushes breed in a variety of woodland habitats along the edges of streams and creeks. Unusually for a warbler, Louisiana Waterthrushes primarily eat aquatic invertebrates, including insects and larvae. Along streams in appropriate habitat, Louisiana Waterthrushes may be seen walking on the shoreline or wading in shallow water while foraging for food. This species’ characteristic tail wagging behavior, in which the rear half of the body is flicked up and down almost constantly while the bird is in motion, is highly unusual among wood warblers.

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Photo - Encyclopedia of Life, Image of Parkesia motacilla © Greg Lasley, Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0),Unmodified
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Common Name: Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Scientific Name: Arisaema triphyllum
Blooming Time: Mar-Apr

The jack-in-the-pulpit species is highly variable. One thing they all have in common though, is the little “man” (Jack) inside a hooded flower (the pulpit). You must fold back the hood to get a good look at him. The leaves of Jack in the Pulpit are trifoliate, or three-parted. The flowers are typically light green with vertical purple stripes. Sometimes the flowers are simply all green.

The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in all parts, and because of this consumption of the raw plant material results in a powerful burning sensation. It can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system, and on rare occasions the swelling of the mouth and throat may be severe enough to affect breathing. If the plant is properly dried or cooked it can be eaten as a root vegetable. A preparation of the root was reported to have been used by Native Americans as a treatment for sore eyes. Preparations were also made to treat rheumatism, bronchitis, and snakebites, as well as to induce sterility. One account from the Meskwaki Indians states that they would chop the herb's corm and mix it with meat and leave the meat out for their enemies to find. The taste of the oxalate would not be detectable because of the flavored meat, but consuming the meat reportedly caused their enemies pain and death.

DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS OR ATTEMPT TO TRANSPLANT THEM. Most wildflowers will not survive replanting.

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