On Saturday May 21st members of the community were given a guided tour around the Clinton Lucas, Jr. trail at Big Gem Park. The group was led around the
one-mile loop trail by Mara Meisel, a retired Shenandoah National Park Ranger-Naturalist with 30 years experience. This morning during their walk they discovered various types of birds, tent caterpillars, moths, mushrooms, and toads. As far as plants are concerned she pointed out Deerberry, blooming Four-Leaved Milkweed, Lyre-Leaved Sage, Wood Sorrel (yellow), Violet Wood Sorrel, Yellow Stargrass, Blue-Eyed Grass, Bluets, Golden Ragwort, Common Fleabane, American Holly, Tulip Tree, Greenbrier, Dewberry, Multiflora Rose, and Poison Ivy.
The group discovered a gall. Mara told the group that a gall is defined as a growth on a plant that is made of plant tissue but caused by another organism. These organisms might be insects, bacteria, fungi or viruses. Insect galls are the most common. Mara cracked open the gall and we were able to see a small insect inside. “galls vary in size and shape; nature is very creative! All galls are formed for the same sort of purpose: the deformity is a deliberate mechanism by the gall causer to use the plant for its own purposes. In ecological terms, it’s known as a parasitic relationship. The gall causer manipulates the plant tissue for itself, but the plant receives no benefits in exchange. Most galls don’t harm the plant though and will have no effect on the health of the host trees.”
The group was tuned into their surroundings, and was paying attention to everything around them. Their attention to detail enabled them to find not one but two toads along their walk! While enjoying their informative hike, they heard the Eastern Towhee sing “Drink Your Tea.”
Big Gem Park is located at 736 Fourth Street in Shenandoah Va.
Mara breaking open the gall.
Hey, Look at what I just found!
