Hi Everyone, as weather improves I hope this finds everyone getting outside more and exploring the pines. Been doing some deeper explorations of our pine plains, or Pygmie Pines. Specifically in the area southeast of Warren Grove Bombing Range. Came across some interesting sites today, no doubt influenced by the hands of humans. I'll include some images here. After a few hours of research I haven't come up with any conclusions regarding multiple sites that appear to be heavily mulched with quantities of broken pieces of dry, dead wood. The areas I saw today, show up around 2010 according Historic Aerials. Going back to the 70's the area was completely forested but later was cleared and shows a sandy area. I'm guessing this was an effort by a researcher with an organization or university, perhaps in partnership with the DoD to restore vegetation to the area, add biomass to retain moisture and prevent erosion. Maybe some effort at induced succession? As years progress to the present, there is re-forestation around the perimeter of the areas , adding to the mystique. I'd love to discuss more with anyone that knows what is going on there.
Next observation, a large pile of oyster shells. If I needed to load a charge into an iron furnace I'd probably have enough for one batch. Consulted with Woodjin, he guessed someone may have harvested oysters and they went bad....and decided to dump them there. Or perhaps they had an oyster bake right there in the pine plains. Wouldn't be a bad spot for a picnic. The romantic side of me would like to believe it's an ancient shell pile left by the Lenape. But, that's probably not the case.
Of course, also saw my share of curious mounds that get the imagination going!
Mother Nature's handiwork was not to be outshined, the bearberry was first, showing off a bounty of tiny pink bells. Next the pyxie appeared, scattered like confetti between clumps of broom crowberry. Golden heather is greening up....it wont be too much longer before the prolific, cheery tiny yellow flowers show themselves. Heaths are flowering and pitch pines are releasing pollen, here come the oaks as well, just getting started.
Being out there today gave me so much joy. So fortunate that these places are so close to home.
Next observation, a large pile of oyster shells. If I needed to load a charge into an iron furnace I'd probably have enough for one batch. Consulted with Woodjin, he guessed someone may have harvested oysters and they went bad....and decided to dump them there. Or perhaps they had an oyster bake right there in the pine plains. Wouldn't be a bad spot for a picnic. The romantic side of me would like to believe it's an ancient shell pile left by the Lenape. But, that's probably not the case.
Of course, also saw my share of curious mounds that get the imagination going!
Mother Nature's handiwork was not to be outshined, the bearberry was first, showing off a bounty of tiny pink bells. Next the pyxie appeared, scattered like confetti between clumps of broom crowberry. Golden heather is greening up....it wont be too much longer before the prolific, cheery tiny yellow flowers show themselves. Heaths are flowering and pitch pines are releasing pollen, here come the oaks as well, just getting started.
Being out there today gave me so much joy. So fortunate that these places are so close to home.
