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The Bernie Kosberg Interpretive Nature Trail is a mile-long loop trail meandering through the
northern section of Ramapo's Rhinebeck Campus. |
The trail entrance is located just outside of Mendelsohn meeting grounds, at the far edge of Ramapo's playing fields. |
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Bernie's Trail was dedicated on July 13, 2010 at the "Hat's Off to Bernie" event. |
We begin our journey with an exploration of the invasive species that affect our region. Pictured here is an Ailanthus tree, which crowds out native trees. |
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The forest floor is filled with sugar maple seedlings, the predominant species in this area. |
The trail climbs up the ridge as we head towards station 3. |
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It's been an exceptionally dry summer, so there are no mushrooms present at this time, but here's a snapshot of what can be found in the forest. |
Up on the ridge, we have entered the habitat of the Eastern Hemlock forest. This area is one of the few remaining stands of fully mature hemlock forest in Dutchess County. |
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This tree is a snag; a dead tree that is still standing. It's easily recognizable by the absence of bark, and the trails of several wood-eating insects are clearly visible on its surface. |
A tip-up mound is formed when a tree is blown over with its roots intact. The roots provide homes for several woodland creatures, including insects, mice, snakes and foxes. |
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A view of the lake as the Sepasco Indian tribe
may have once seen it. |
The rock wall offers an opportunity for campers to hunt for fossils and get a close up view of geology. |
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A fallen log provides a lesson of decomposition in action. |
Mammals commonly seen on hikes in Ramapo's woods include: deer, raccoons, rabbits and squirrels, as well as an occasional fox or coyote. |
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A campfire provides an opportunity for groups to reflect on their experience. |
A beautiful example of clonal trees, which are multiple trees that grow from the same trunk system. |
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As we move down the final leg of the trail, we
once again move from Hemlock to Maple
forest habitats. |
A view of the hardwood swamp, which offers great habitat for skunk cabbage, salamanders, and great blue herons. |
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Ferns have been in existence since the time of
the dinosaurs. |
Remnants of stone walls indicate that this area was once cleared for fields and pasture. This forest is less than 150 years old. |
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The stream is almost dry, yet a few tiny trickles of the waterfall still remain as we follow the trail back down. |
Back at the trail entrance we return to the activities of the day, but with a little more thoughtfulness and appreciation of the variety of living things that surround us. |
