The Old Foundation. Glacial Rocks. Types of Trees

Transcription

1 The Old Foundation Back in the 1920s, real estate speculators created a housing development here, known as the Metuchen Manor. Many lots were sold in this area. However in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, many of the lot owners lost their land because they were unable to pay property taxes. As a result, Raritan Township (now Edison Township) took over the property. Later on, the site would be cleared and Menlo Park School would be established in the 1960s. Since then, this area remained undeveloped. For almost 30 years, this site collected all types of debris and trash. It wasn t until the fall of 1992 that the site would be cleaned. At this point of the trail, you can see the remnants of a foundation from a house that was here in the early 20 th century. It is possible that this house faced Compton Avenue and is the site of an old development that went bust during the years of the Great Depression. Glacial Rocks This nature trail is located in the Piedmont Physiographic Province. About 10,000 years ago, the Great Wisconsin Glacier made its way to the Edison/Metuchen area. As the Glacier retreated and melted, it left a large amount of debris. This may account for the rolling and uneven topography of the trail. This debris is known as Terminal Moraine. Moraine is the accumulation of glacial debris. The debris may have been taken from a valley floor as the Glacier advanced or it may have fallen off valley walls as a result of frost wedging or landslide. The debris ranges from small rocks to large boulders. Next to this trail sign, you will see one of the few glacial rocks scattered throughout the nature trail. Types of Trees As you explore the nature trail, you ll notice that there are many types of trees. Most, if not all, are well over 60 years old. The heights of these trees can range from 45 feet to 65 feet. The most abundant types of trees in the area are Oak, Sweetgum, and Maple. Further into the trail there is an understory of Dogwood trees. There s even a Willow tree growing in the pond! Other types of trees that were identified in the area are Green Ash, Sumac, and Aspen.

2 Oak Leaf Sweetgum Leaf

3 Maple Leaf Dogwood Leaf

4 Willow Leaf Sumac Leaf Aspen Leaf

5 Green Ash Leaf Vernal Pond Vernal ponds are enclosed depressions that are natural or man-made. They can hold water for at least two consecutive months in one year. Because of this, vernal ponds are not the best habitat for breeding fish populations. However, vernal ponds do provide a home to many other species that include amphibians, insects, reptiles, plants, and other wildlife. The absence of fish is what makes this kind of ecosystem very unique. Since fish are known to be highly predatory on amphibian eggs and larvae, the vernal pond would provide a safe environment for salamanders and frogs. As a result, these species of salamanders and frogs took advantage of this fish-less body of water. Species that are dependent upon vernal ponds are known as "obligate vernal pond breeders." In New Jersey, there are seven species (5 salamanders and 2 frogs) that fit this category. Another fourteen of New Jersey's amphibians also use vernal pools for breeding, but unlike the obligate vernal pond breeders, these species can reproduce in habitats that contain fish. These species are known as "facultative vernal pond breeders." Obligate Vernal Pond Breeding Amphibians (7): Eastern Tiger Salamander Marbled Salamander Spotted Salamander Jefferson Salamander

6 Blue-Spotted Salamander Wood Frog Eastern Spadefoot Toad Facultative Vernal Pond Breeding Amphibians (14): Green Frog Bullfrog Pickerel Frog Southern Leopard Frog Carpenter Frog Northern Spring Peeper Northern Cricket Frog New Jersey Chorus Frog Upland Chorus Frog Northern Gray Treefrog Southern Gray Treefrog Pine Barrens Treefrog Four-Toed Salamander Long-Tailed Salamander

7 Animals Many animals have been seen at this nature trail. Can you spot them all? Rabbits Squirrels Deer

8 Turtles Salamanders Frogs

9 Crows Ducks Geese

10 Nuthatch Robin