Gourdneck State Game Area                               

July 20 2013 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Led by Chad Hughson

We will be visiting a power line cut which is adjacent to Hampton Creek in the Gourdneck State Game Area.  A vast majority of the uplands of the game area were formerly oak savanna prior to European settlement, but, due to fire suppression, only corridors such as this continue to support savanna flora.  Some uncommon and even rare upland plant species we should see are Frasera caroliniensis, Eryngium yuccifolium, Amorpha canescens, Aureolaria flava, and Aureolaria pedicularia. 

Although the main trail is dry and sandy, wetlands are observable and accessible at many points along the power line cut and include a range of communities. Given the time or inclination we can explore these areas further.

The field trip will be guided by Chad Hughson, owner of Hidden Savanna Nursery.  Chad spent the first half of his childhood living adjacent to the Gourdneck State Area and is very familiar with it.

Parking will be at the carpool lot at the corner of Centre Street and US-131.  You will need to head south onto Angling Rd from Centre St to reach the carpool lot.  We will be departing on foot from the parking lot at 10:00am.  

Deer flies will likely be out in full force.  Dress accordingly and bring your preferred bug repellant.  Waterproof boots are not required unless you wish to trudge around in the wetland areas.  There are many spots where you can approach quite closely to the creek while staying high and dry.