Posted December 27, 2023
Early in November, a group of enthusiastic nature lovers gathered at the Trustees’ Lyman Reserve in Plymouth. As one of the first public opportunities, we set out to explore the newly created Red Brook Trail Network. The day started off rainy and grey, but as if on cue, the sun came out to greet our group of ten intrepid explorers, as we prepared to embark on a new trailblazing adventure.
We were a sea of blaze orange (mostly hats and vests) as we followed our fearless leader, Elise Leduc-Fleming, Executive Director of the Wareham Land Trust, as she navigated us through hilly terrain, wetlands, historic landmarks and former cranberry bogs.
Just six months ago, I volunteered to help clear terrain for what are now the Jasper and Turtle Trails. Both have recently been opened to the public. Kora’s Trail is coming soon and will offer some hills and a longer loop to keep your heart pumping! Volunteers have made a significant contribution to this effort, putting up kiosks and trail signs, installing bog boards, removing invasive species, and helping create beautiful paths for the public to enjoy.
Red Brook itself is one of the last remaining native sea-run book trout fisheries in the eastern United States. There is so much to see and learn. Flora, fauna and fish – oh my!
What makes these trail treks so interesting is that Elise is a wealth of information. She’s never met a lichen she doesn’t like or can’t name. Did you know that common toadskin lichen is grey and crunchy when it’s dry? Or that white pines have 5 needles per bundle, but pitch pines have just three? Need a mnemonic device to remember that? Three strikes and you’re out (a pitch — get it?)
Perhaps my favorite new tidbit of knowledge is about wood ducks, which nest in hollow trees near water, where they lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch and the fledglings are ready to fly the coop, so-to speak since they can’t actually fly yet, they leap out of their nests kerplunk into the water. That’s one way to make a splash!
My day walking along the newly forged Red Brook Trail Network was glorious. I stopped and listened to birds singing and felt the warm carpet of forest floor under my feet. I had the chance to meet interesting people, learn new things and appreciate the simple and intricate beauty that nature has to offer. I felt invigorated and at peace. I am grateful to the Wareham Land Trust for all they do to protect and preserve our community’s natural landscape – a precious gift we all benefit from.
Written by Jody Gastfriend, WLT Advisor