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Woodlot Flora and Fauna |
No matter what time of the year you enter the Sawyer Preservation Woodlot, you will immediately sense the diversity of the flora and fauna that greets you. It all comes together in one place -- trees, shrubs, birds, insects, mamals, reptiles, soil, water, air
with aromas that cannot be packaged -- a piece of heaven on our challenged earth. This must be fostered and preserved for those that come after.
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 Whether it is the musical notes of the song birds; the shrill announcements of the Blue Jay or the distant drumming of the Pileated Woodpecker, you will know that you
have arrived. Even in the dead of winter, the silence is not total. With a sharp eye and keen ear, the hearty feathered friends can be detected scrounging for their meagre meals.
View our Birds page
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| Overhead, the woodlot canopy provides a fresh coolness to the summer's heat but lets in the warming sun's rays during its winter hibernation. Depending upon how you view the woods, you will see the towering fully mature tree or a struggling
sapling stretching for the sky -- or perhaps the carcass of a once glorious specimen now on its return to the soil. For most of us, we are simply in awe --overwhelmed by the magnitude of what surrounds us. An overdose of the senses. |
View our Trees page |
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View our Shrubs page |
As the eye scans the woodlot, allow it to focus at waist height. Whether you see the lush
foliage green of summer or or that chaotic naked mass of twigs of winter, this zone hosts perhaps the most essential component
of this thriving environment. Here, many species of shrubs make their contribution to the soil, the air, wildlife food supply and shelter.
As humans, we tend to overlook this segment of the woodlot -- that is unless it is a fruit producer or presents a fragrant aroma or
eye-catching flower. |
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| What a treat it is encounter the animals of the woodlot. During one of our Directors' Meetings,
a white-tailed deer was watching from close range. No fear -- just curiosity. If you are patient and conservative in movement
and sound, you will surely spot at least a squirrel -- and perhaps something a bit more uncommon. Little or not so little, they are present. |
View our Mammals page |
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Decline Of The Maple Tree
In 2002, the largest maple tree in the woodlot unexpectedly died. It represented a significant timber value but also a major potential for wildlife habitat. After heated debate by the entire membership, the decision was made to leave it to serve as a "den tree". Part of that decision included documenting the decline for educational purposes. Please click on this link, Decline Of The Maple Tree, for the time-lapse view as time
and mother nature breaks down the once stately tree. Most photos are taken in the early spring.
News...
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 In recent years, the
Pileated Woodpecker made the woodlot his home. This spectacular woodpecker, the size of a small chicken, cannot be
mistaken with its bright red crest on the black body trimmed with white. Watch for it gracefully swooping through the trees.
Listen for the booming drum as he sounds out insects buried deep within an old snag. Look for the pile of wood chips at
the base of a tree providing evidence of his handiwork above. Those lumberjack sized toothpicks originate from his
carved rectangular holes that can be 4-5 inches wide by 6-8 inches high and several inches deep.
Photo courtesy of Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources
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Although he appears to be quite destructive, that is not the case. The large holes are only created in order to retrieve
the insects & grubs below. The tree is already infested -- and the cavities created are eagerly sought by other creatures
looking for a home. |
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Hole dimensions: 6" H x 4" W x 5.5" D
Notice bug infested wood at back of hole. |
Yes, there is nightime activity in the woodlot. Looks well-fed.
Paper Wasp Nest
Hanging over lower trail
About 20" tall
September 26, 2005
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Click for larger photo |
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