Parkhill Conservation Area

We hiked over 8 km at Parkhill Conservation Area on December 12th. The Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Authority property includes 1,880 acres and is used for flood control, environmental protection, agriculture, recreation and nature appreciation. It was a cool day, but we were well protected from the wind while in the trees.

The deep ravine also sheltered us from the wind. The steps were a little treacherous, so we walked beside them.

High water levels had shifted the position of the foot bridge. We had a creek to navigate over before climbing up the other side of the ravine. We traversed into the ravine on more than one occasion when following the trail system.

The trails were muddy. Since the temperatures were slightly below freezing, we managed to walk around the larger puddles without sinking into the mud. With so much water lying on the ground, it was easy to see why mosquitos are such a problem in Parkhill during the warm weather!

Some black clusters on American Beech trees caught my eye. They were visually different from Black Knot fungus found on cherry trees. I learned that the Honeydew Eater, a "new to me" species, is a sooty mould fungus that is formed by colonies of the Beech Blight Aphid. (see aphids below) It is found only on American Beech trees. Aphids congregate on branches and twigs in late summer and fall, creating large amounts of honeydew that drip onto vegetation below. Fungus spores fall onto the honeydew after being carried by water and the wind. The large quantity of honeydew allows the Honeydew Eater fungus to grow to a large size, sometimes as big as a football!

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144013-Scorias-spongiosa

The Beech Blight Aphid is only found on one host plant, the American Beech Tree. (Photos taken October 28, 2023) 

A sign marking the property boundary.