Tree ID 101 @ Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Easy ~2 mi)

Come join us for another Tree ID hike. This time we’ll be looking at the trees in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve.

On this hike, we’ll start by meeting by the restrooms in the Bell Haven section of the park (roughly at 38.78010, -77.0521). There we'll take a look at a few of the standalone trees planted before and during the construction of the parkway to illustrate some concepts and try out some tree ID as a group.

From there we’ll continue practicing our skills as we walk along the ~1.6-mile round trip Haul Road Trail, which runs through marsh, swamp forest, and upland forest habitats. From there we’ll return to our starting point.

Along the way you can expect to learn about:

-Some of the key characteristics (place, form, leaf, twig, bud, bark, flower, fruit), that are helpful in identifying a tree in winter
-Some of the key concepts and terms used to describe tree leaf characteristics.
-What a dichotomous key is and how to use it to Identify a tree species.

By the end of the, everybody will have had a change to lead the group in identifying a tree using a dichotomous key!

The only thing that you’ll need to bring is yourself and a smartphone (we’ll be referring to Common Native Trees of Virginia throughout our hike). If you have a hand lens/loupe it may be helpful in taking a closer look at some tree features (especially those on the twigs), but this is not required.

As always during our hikes, make sure to bring the water/snacks you need and proper footwear for the walk.

Hope to see you there!!

Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.

We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (Waiver of Liability - Google Docs).