‘You can’t see the forest for the trees!’ We have all heard this classic idiom that describes being too involved in the details of a problem to see the greater picture. As a nature enthusiast, hiker, or park visitor, you might sometimes have the opposite problem! When you’re surrounded by 2,000 acres of Parklands forest, it can be difficult to appreciate the individual trees that make up the great resource that is our forests.

Within these forests you can find remarkable trees—centuries old oak trees, sycamores large enough to live in, skeletons of aging boxelders, fluted musclewoods, and an ash tree that is home to a bald eagle. Some dedicated park visitors and park members will be familiar with many of these outstanding trees, but for those of you that are eager to learn more about the unique trees of The Parklands, check out this newly compiled list – Specimen Trees of The Parklands.

Specimen Trees of the Parklands is a document listing our special trees, the park in which they are located, information about what makes them unique, and thoughts to consider while visiting the trees. To learn more about each tree species, you can use a smart phone or tablet in the park to log onto www.plants.usda.gov. Search by common names or by the scientific names that are provided in the list.

If you want to dive even deeper into your tree research, pick up a copy of Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region.  This is a great identification book for beginners.  It is easy to use and it will provide a detailed description of trees of this region.

If you’re a Parklands Member, join me for a special lecture from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 to learn more about our specimen trees, including specific locations where you can view each tree on a future visit. To register or for more info, click here. 

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About the Author

Evan began his career with the Parklands in 2013 as a park attendant and part-time helper on Natural Areas projects. In 2014 he joined the Natural Areas team as a technician and in the spring of 2015 was promoted to Natural Areas Team Leader. While working he spends his time promoting healthy habitats for the plants and animals that live in the park. Patrick was born in Morehead, Kentucky near the Daniel Boone National Forest, where his appreciation for nature, conservation and stewardship was cultivated. Patrick is a graduate of the University of Louisville, where he earned a degree in anthropology. His interests include cooking, mushroom foraging, craft beer and the outdoors.