The lake level was lowered in late October/early November, 2010. so that the braces on the supports under the pedestrian bridge at Section B could be replaced. It was a little disappointing but did allow for access to the shoreline again.
Maps of the park have been placed in notice boards at various places in the park. This map is at the boat launch at Section B.
Trail: Park Map
Trail: Satellite View (Google maps)
The trails that I followed – on the park map and on a Google satellite image. I followed the hiking trail to point A. From point A, I a followed a trail not marked on the park map to point B where I joined the Monster Mile Bypass and followed this trail down to the dam. I followed the hiking trail back along the lake to point C where I left the trail and walked, almost back to the starting point, along the shoreline.
The water level at the pedestrian bridge on February 20, 2011. Compare this with…
The lake level at approximately the same place on December 19th, 2010.
Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) catkins. I’d forgotten that the alders would be flowering now. These were at the south end of the pedestrian bridge.
Looking along the trail just past the pedestrian bridge. The sunlight on this morning was magical, particularly after a number of cloudy days.
The trail climbs the hill to a plateau. The trail surface, which is clay, looks as if it has been polished. The trail leads away from the lake to a right-of-way and then…
The trail enters the woods after crossing and open area. This trail winds its way back down to the lake. Again the sunlight in the woods was striking.
Looking back along the trail just before it reaches the lake shore again.
At the beginning of the steep climb - from 915 ft to 945 ft above sea level (a.s.l.) – to Point A on the trail. It seems much steeper.
Looking northeast along the trail that leads back down to the lakeshore. The trail drops into an open basin before it begins the serious descent to the lake.
The trail I followed to point B made an initial climb to 962 ft a.s.l., descended a little to the Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) tree and then curved and climbed to 986 ft a.s.l. to join the Monster Mile Bypass.
Looking down the Monster Mile Bypass trail that leads to the dam.
I almost missed this fern. It’s a grape fern (Botrychium sp.). I know where two grow deeper in the woods and had checked to see if they had emerged yet. Since they hadn’t, I wasn’t expecting to see one in this area.
A closer view of the grape fern. It’s in a well-lighted location. I will be surprised if this fern sporulates.
Next stop, the dam...
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Related posts:
- Fort Yargo State Park: Déjà Vu
- Fort Yargo State Park: A Cold, Sunny Day
- Fort Yargo State Park: Shades Of Brown And Green. Part 1
- Fort Yargo State Park: Shades Of Brown And Green. Part 2
- Snow: Fort Yargo State Park
- Boat Launch To The Picnic Area: ‘Low Tide’
Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) is one of the first bloomers at the lake in the winter. This year, with the water level low, I’ve been able to get close to these plants and see how they flower and develop. These plants have male (catkins) and female flowers. I wanted to wait until the flowers seeded but this is going to take longer than I realized. I’m going to post their progress so far and finish the story later.
The male flowers, catkins. There are two female flowers at the top just to the right of center.
Catkins, up close
Female flowers (February 20th, 2010).
Catkins, three weeks later
Female flowers (February 27th, 2010)
Female flowers swelling (March 27th, 2010)
Leaf buds swelling (March 27th, 2010)
Leaves emerging (March 27th, 2010)
The Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) is native to the eastern United States. They grow in wet areas. At Fort Yargo State Park, they grow along the shore of the lake. I haven’t seen them at our place although they may grow along the creek but be inaccessible.
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Distribution map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Alnus serrulata (Hazel Alder)
Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)
- Missouri Plants: Alnus serrulata
Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower
It’s now just below 22 feet. Another 2 feet or so to go. But compare this with… 
The depth on November 14th, 2010. The water was about 14 feet deep then.
I walked back along the dam to continue on the trail along the lake shore. This is the shoreline immediately north of the dam on the west side.
A Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor) leaf. This is a good time to spot Cranefly Orchid plants. The leaves will die before the orchids bloom in July.
This snag is north of the trail (segment 3) just east of the footbridge. I’m fascinated by the perfectly circular hole in the snag. I didn’t see any bird activity but I’ll be keeping tabs on it.
The shoreline looking south just after I dropped down onto the beach. The beach is quite narrow now. It won’t be long before it won’t be possible to walk along it.
A Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata) in bloom. The male catkins along this beach were in full bloom. I didn’t realize how much pollen they produced until…
I held a catkin that was blowing in the wind in order to photograph it. My fingers were covered with pollen.
The female flower of the Hazel Alder.
Some driftwood lying on the beach. It’s reminiscent of a shark fin. I’d seen these previously still attached to dead tree trunks in Harbin’s Park in Gwinnett County.
