Winter Hiking Adventure: Encounters with Trees and Shrubs

Learn about our native trees and shrubs on a hike through Haystack Mountain State Park sponsored by the Conservation Commission. Norfolk is home to a many native plants: a refuge for 45 species of trees and 69 species of shrubs and woody vines. On this hike you will learn to recognize many of these. Without leaves to aid in our identification, we will be looking closely at buds, twigs and bark to discover who they are; we may also encounter wildlife or evidence of their residency.

Meet promptly at 1:30 at the main entrance on Route 272 north, about a quarter mile north of Norfolk center. Parking is limited, so please carpool. Hiking is generally easy, but can be moderately strenuous in spots, as we will be heading up the mountain and continuing to the summit, where there are magnificent views, especially from the top of the tower. Dress for the weather, If there is snow, you may want to bring snowshoes. Bring a hand lens or magnifier if you have one, and a small ruler to aid in identification. You may also wish to bring a pencil and sketchpad or notebook to record your observations.

Leader John Anderson is a local naturalist with decades of experience exploring and studying Norfolk’s landscapes, plants and wildlife.