A few plants that have been in flower for many weeks remain conspicuous along the trail in late August – goldenrods, soapwort, Joe-Pye weed, chicory, spotted knapweed, and Queen Anne’s lace – but new flowers keep appearing, too. Some are attractive – spotted and pale jewelweed, smartweed, sunflowers, and different asters – but several of the newly flowering plants are quite dull in appearance, including pigweed (lamb’s quarters), ragweed, and (nasty) Japanese knotweed. Be careful touching nettles! Horse balm is abundant in the glade (#14), and fruits like those of pokeweed are developing.
Bobolinks and red-winged blackbirds have been numerous around the beginning of the trail, and goldfinches and catbirds are ever present. Yellowthroats and yellow warblers are present, too, but less conspicuous than they were earlier. Pheasants have been spotted around #10. Look for dragonflies and butterflies, too. Conditions along the trail are definitely those of early fall.
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