Flora and Fauna
Flora along the northern end of the trail includes Sumac (Rhus) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera) shrubs, American Elm (Ulmus americana), Bigtooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) and Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). As the trail approaches Gardiner to the south, there are occurrences of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Tulip-tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) and Black Birch (Betula lenta). Other trees common on the trail include Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
Many animals pass through the trail unobserved, leaving behind tracks. This includes bears, deer, coyotes, dogs, bobcats, cats, skunks and rabbits. Several bird species overwinter in the region and can be observed from the trail, such as the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), Bluebird (Sialia), Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Sparrow (Passer) and Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus).
Read more about this topic: Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
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