Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)

There is a Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) sapling at the start of the trail. Note the large, simple leaves that are arranged alternately on the branches. Leaves have 7-11 waxy lobes, and turn red in the fall.

Northern red oak is found in forests and occasionally wetlands which means its presence here is common. It is a very useful product for fuelwood and lumber. The oak attracts songbirds, ground birds, mammals, and insects, some of who will eat parts of the tree such as the leaves and acorns.

We included this species in our tour due to its importance for various wildlife species and its iconic shape and structure.