Monday, November 14, 2011

Other forests in NYC: High Rock Park



Here, on Staten Island, is a rustling forest floor, inches deep in new-fallen leaves. These break down slowly and add to the humus layer. In Prospect Park's Midwood this cannot happen in many areas because of the repeated foot traffic caused by cruising activities off-path.

This is gorgeous woodland, especially where beeches are abundant, and well worth a visit. But stick to the east side of Manor Road. I find the western part of the park to be very weedy, with tangles of vines and invasives obscuring the forest floor.

You may find salamanders, mushrooms, striped wintergreen, or spicebush.

You may lie down on a carpet of leaves in a cathedral of trees.

No comments: