Holmes Educational State Forest, Henderson County (7-30-15)
Read MoreDemonstration Trail - Station #2
"As you walk along notice the rich soil, healthy forest, wildflowers, and signs of wildlife activity. This mountainside was 'selectively cut' in 1969. The logging and road construction was done with the protection of water, soil, wildlife, timber, and aesthetic value in mind..."
(from trail interpretive brochure)Demonstration Trail - 'The North Slope' Signpost
Coolest Side of the Mountain: The North Slope -- "Knowledge about a forest begins with knowledge about the land. Land which faces a northerly direction receives the least amount of sunlight. There will be an abundance of plants on these sites because most prefer the moist, cool conditions. As you climb this north slope notice the abundance and variety of plants."
Demonstration Trail - Observation Deck - Station #3
"Welcome to the Observation Deck! I know you are glad to see this place after that climb! You have just completed the most difficult section of this trail. This is an enjoyable place to rest and sit quietly, listen to the forest sounds and enjoy the woodland views."
Unfortunately, I found that this observation deck had long since lost its 'observation'. Winter might find some limited views but it was just a thick canopy of trees to be seen this summer day...Demonstration Trail - Observation Deck - Station #3
"Welcome to the Observation Deck! I know you are glad to see this place after that climb! You have just completed the most difficult section of this trail. This is an enjoyable place to rest and sit quietly, listen to the forest sounds and enjoy the woodland views."
Unfortunately, I found that this observation deck had long since lost its 'observation'. Winter might find some limited views but it was just a thick canopy of trees to be seen this summer day...Demonstration Trail - Station #4
"This food, water, and shelter area is known as an ANIMALS HABITAT. There are many species of animals in this forest. More frequently seen are gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, skunks, opossums, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, whitetail deer, foxes, hawks, crows, and scores of other bird species. Food plots are established throughout this forest to provide cover and food for small animals and birds. Wildlife food plots are also good for erosion control, on areas such as soil banks, logging roads, or any area where soil is exposed."
(from trail interpretive brochure)Demonstration Trail - Station #5
"As you left the logging road and came down the hill, you entered a pure stand of Eastern White Pine. These trees grow in the mountains and extreme upper Piedmont of North Carolina and northward through New England and the Great Lakes region. These trees commonly grow to heights of 100 feet and reach economic mautrity in 50 to 60 years. The wood is used for furniture, house framing, siding, trim, and molding. White Pine seeds make up a large portion of the winter diet of squirrels, chickadees, and mice. Bluebirds also use the needles when building their nests."
(from trail interpretive brochure)Demonstration Trail - Wolf Tree Signpost
Wolf Tree -- "A "Wolf Tree" is usually an older, large tree with many widely spread limbs. It seldom has worth as a source of wood products, but does have aesthetic value and can produce large quantities of "mast" for wildlife. Wolf trees take water, nutrients, and space from smaller surrounding trees. The decision to cut or leave depends on the landowner's forest management goals."
Demonstration Trail - Station #6
"Yellow Poplar, or Tuliptree, distinguished by its excellent form and rapid growth, is one of the taller and more valuable trees. It is widely distributed throughout the United States. Yellow Poplar reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. It has a straight trunk that is free of limbs for much of its length. Indians and settlers made dugout canoes from them. A Yellow Poplar may live 250 years or more. Though called a Yellow Poplar because of its light colored wood, it is really a member of the Magnolia family. Yellow Poplars grow ideally in moist soils, along streams, or in mountain coves."
(from trail interpretive brochure)Demonstration Trail - Station #6
"Yellow Poplar, or Tuliptree, distinguished by its excellent form and rapid growth, is one of the taller and more valuable trees. It is widely distributed throughout the United States. Yellow Poplar reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. It has a straight trunk that is free of limbs for much of its length. Indians and settlers made dugout canoes from them. A Yellow Poplar may live 250 years or more. Though called a Yellow Poplar because of its light colored wood, it is really a member of the Magnolia family. Yellow Poplars grow ideally in moist soils, along streams, or in mountain coves."
(from trail interpretive brochure)Demonstration Trail - Station #7
"Ponds, whether natural or man-made, are teeming with life and are excellent places for learning and discovery. Many species of plants, animals, and insects live in or are directly influenced by the pond community. The health of the pond, the food chains, and the balances associated with it are all dependent on many interrelated factors, many of which can be upset by the careless activities of man. These variables include the water and oxygen and carbon dioxide content, water clarity, temperature, Ph level, and others. Direct or indirect manipulation of the pond environment which changes any of these factors, or destroys a section of the food chain can adversely effect all of the life found here."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Amy Kinsella
on November 11, 2015Dear DWHIKE,
This is amazing! Thank you for posting so recently about Holmes ESF. We are so excited to know our visitors are enjoying their time, and taking notice of the older interpretive signs on the trail. Two Full-time staff "woman" this gem, so thanks for understanding about the condition of the trails and exhibits. 235 acres is a lot of ground to cover. Thanks Again! Amy: Education Ranger HESF.