Barkslip

I live near this place and drive around inside. There are designated horse trails everywhere. It's mainly roads that weave around in this place. There are signs all over stating people are now allowed to enter the forested areas (habitat destruction.) However, among the pine plantations there are none signs and you may walk beneath their forest canopies. I love trees and I have to say that since the pines are all spaced in perfect rows that it feels very unnatural & always it's dark beneath and mostly-barren. I drive around because I'm looking for tree seed. I was pleasantly surprised to find Quercus marilandica or very probably (Q. marilandica x Quercus velutina : Q. xbushii) due to the two known to hybridize freely. And I say likely because the fall color is bright red which is not common for Blackjack. For me, it's a few hours to kill while taking my dog for a ride. It's very rare we see anyone else. Big River State Forest is made up of sand-only and my Volkswagen Passat Wagon will grab going up over some rolling hills so be aware when you think it's time to gun it. The place is 99% Quercus velutina (everywhere you look.) Then the pines have slipped in here and there on their own. You'll find Jack Pine and White pine (Pinus banksiana & Pinus strobus) naturally-regenerating, but I don't believe the Red Pines (Pinus resinosa) are. Deer and wild turkeys are everywhere to be seen along the highway. Remember your birding binoculars. Cheers