We all love fall foliage, but how much do we know about the specific trees in our local woods? If you’re interested in learning more, come out for “Brushy Trees and Autumn Leaves,” a tree identification walk this Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. at Brushy Hills Preserve.
The walk will be led by David Rosher, a local arborist with deep knowledge of Brushy Hills and its ecology. Although only 3/4 of a mile in distance, the walk still covers a lot of ground. Rosher will focus primarily on tree identification, with special attention to oaks and hickories. Hickories have a reputation for being difficult to identify, but Rosher will use leaf, bark, and fruit to help walkers distinguish the five species of hickory found at Brushy Hills.
Walkers will encounter 40 different species of trees and shrubs along the route, and Rosher will discuss the ecological significance of some of the species.
Walkers will meet at the parking lot by the springhouse, 1010 Union Run, before heading out on the trails. The Preserve parking lot is small, so attendees are asked to consider carpooling if possibel. For more information, or a weather update, contact Rosher at [email protected]. The rain date is Oct. 12.
A second fall walk at Brushy Hills, with geology professor Chris Connors, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8.
These walks are sponsored by the Friends of Brushy Hills, a volunteer organization whose mission is to protect the natural integrity of Brushy Hills for the benefit of the public. By agreement with the city of Lexington, the Friends serve as stewards of the Preserve.
A RED HICKORY will be among those trees seen on this weekend’s walk in the Brushy Hills Preserve.
