This class will bridge the use of both winter and summer characteristics of woody plants to ID trees. We will focus on about a dozen of the more common trees of the park together with at least two uncommon trees of HSNP. In addition, we will discuss invasive species, and how the forest makeup has changed over the past 200 years.

We will meet at the Gulpha Gorge Amphitheater at 9:00 a.m. The morning session will end at 11:30 for a lunch break. The afternoon session will be from noon ‘til 3:00 and will consist of two walks. We will start with a walk along the paved roads of Gulpha Gorge Campground. Many of the common trees of the Park can be seen along this easy stroll. In addition, we will be able to get a glimpse of a former Arkansas State Champion Umbrella Magnolia. Although the Umbrella Magnolia is not an uncommon species to the Park, it is very uncommon for one to attain the size of this particular tree. The second tree ID walk will be along a section of the Sunset Trail starting at the Amphitheater. This section does have an elevation change and an uneven path. In addition to seeing many of the common trees, we will see (I hope) one of the most special trees of the Ouachita Mountains, the Ozark Chinquapin. This tree has a fascinating history and a somewhat uncertain future.

You will need to bring a sack lunch, water, and insect repellant.