Description: The flat, paved park road flanking the ridge makes for an easy walk while offering a good view of the varied vegetation brought up to eye level on the steep uphill side of the road. Tick-trefoils are blooming and fruiting, providing an opportunity to note the characters that distinguish the relatively new genus Hylodesmum from Desmodium and to differentiate between the two New England Hylodesmum species, which are mingled here. The baneberries will be in fruit, and moist areas sport Eutrochium species and monkey flower. Bring lunch in case we make it as far as the picnic tables.
Directions and Parking: Penwood State Park entrance is on Route 185 between Stafford Rd. and Summit Ridge Dr. After the field trip you may wish to head northwest on Route 185 for a mile or so to admire Connecticut’s largest sycamore, in Pinchot Sycamore Tree Park, on the right, opposite Nod Rd. and just before the bridge over the Farmington River.
Leader: David Yih, (860) 796-5666