Tramp & Trail

Write-up by Jean Yost

It was a hot, steamy summer day as the group of 26 Tramps headed out on the trails of The Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota, NY.  The open fields were filled with blooming Purple Loose Strife, the aggressive invader that has taken over many wetlands.   Birds were flying in every direction and it was a pleasure to view them peaking out of the numerous wooden bird houses along the trail.  Heading for the boardwalk, we saw an Osprey’s nest high above on a distant pole and heard the frogs leaping in the water as we disturbed their quiet solitude.  We meandered through the swamp on the boardwalk looking for a Mulbeary Wing Butterfly, which is listed as a “Special Concern” and can only be found in Central New York.  Avoiding the plentiful abundance of poison ivy, we viewed the numerous tussocks – grassy hills in the swamp colonized by mosses, fungi and wetland vegetation – as well as the non-poisonous Virginia Creeper.   The mating snapping turtles provided entertainment for the group.  The trail through the woods was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the sun.    Returning to the Main building through the open fields of tall grasses, the group enjoyed the nature displays in the air conditioned room and ice cold watermelon.