Join Shawn Banks, County Extension Director, for his third walk identifying native plants along the way, as he ventures out during 2023 Year of the Trail.
This time he takes a short walk through the maritime forest on Harkers Island starting at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Willow Pond Trail and continuing on to Soundside Trail that ends up at Cape Lookout Visitors Center Park. Beach erosion and some damage caused by hurricanes are also visible on the trail.
Native Plants and Points of Interest on the Third Trail Walk
Cartrema americana, Devilwood shrub
Magnolia virginiana, Sweetbay Magnolia
Smilax laurifolia, Bamboo Vine, Laurel Greenbrier
Gelsemium sempervirens, Carolina Yellow Jessamine
Andropogon gyrans, Elliott’s Bluestem or Broomsedge
Yucca filamentosa, Adam’s Needle Yucca or Spanish Bayonet
Juniperus virginiana, Eastern Red Cedar
Leaf Gall - Abnormal growth that is caused by an irritation. In this case an insect larvae inside the leaf.
Ghost Forest - Areas of forests near the coast where the trees are dying due to salt water intrusion.
Walk, hike or ride on a trail near you. Find a trail that fits your activity level.
Other trail walks with Shawn and native plant identifications:
#1 Trail Walk – Elliot Coes Trail at the Fort Macon State Park
