THE FOREST
THE FOREST
The forest at Apsley Acers covers about 95% of our land. If one was able to choose what indigenous trees they would enjoy having on their property; a nicer mix or a more varied mix couldn't have happened. Running approximately north and south we have several rocky ridges about 75' in height. Between these ridges runs a low drainage area. There is even a small stream towards the centre which runs in the spring, disappearing underground in hot summers. We have a wonderful batch of water cress growing where the Milkcan trail crosses it. We do have two small bridges made of planks for when it is running. Most of the trails were in place when we purchased the property the summer of '96. Tom has spend many hours clearing and widening them to make it easier to take out firewood with the tractor. The added bonus is; it also makes wandering much more enjoyable. The trails all have names:All are self explanatory; except for perhaps the "Milkcan" one. It is so called because at one place, where we enjoy sitting, has an old milkcan sitting on the ridge.The Milkcan Trail
The Meadow Trail
The Wet Trail
The New TrailIn the lowest areas; we have an open mixture of cedar, eastern hemlock. Then as it starts to get slightly higher we get spruce, balsam, black cherry, sugar maple, red maple, striped maple, paper birch, yellow birch, gray birch, elm, hop hornbeam, basswood, beech, red oak, white oak, mountain maple, ash, poplar, beech, white pine and jack pine, last but not least ironwood. Interspersed amongst these a many varieties of deciduous smaller shrubs.
It is a good healthy forest; with a great mixture of young, old and middle aged trees. We carefully select our firewood from the problem areas; e.g.. those too close to one another, re-growth clumps from previously cut stumps, wind blow downs, split growth trees etc. We have come to enjoy a few specific trees for their unique growth.. these we leave for personal pleasure and even sometimes amusement. As you wander further back in the forest; needless to say the trees get larger. This is not to say there are no larger trees closer to the house; it's just back here has never been logged, or even selectively cut.
At the far end of the property there is a wonderful open swampy area which is mainly on our neighbors property, but I do enjoy all the wildlife involved with being near a swamp.
The meadow trail climbs up to a rocky open field of grasses, wildflowers and blackberries. A complete change from wandering the wooded areas.
The wet trail takes off from behind Tom's workshop. Only in very dry years do you not need rubber boots. The wildflowers growing along this trail entice you on it regularly.
The new trail is a project started by Tom last summer. It will take you across the lower area to the toe of the furthest ridge. Then you will have a choice of going to the bridges and home, or a longer more enjoyable walk connecting to the milkcan trail.In the winter the trails are marvellous to ski or snowshoe on. A number of our visitors have done their "first" snowshoe expermiment here; and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is absolutely beautiful to wander after the first fluffy snowfall under a full moon, amongst the trees all laden with "diamonds". The reflection of moonlight on the snow makes it bright enough to walk with out a light, and the shadows cast a dramatic backdrop to the hushed world about us.
A sketch of Apsley Acer's trails:
I am sure there are more animals than what we have seen so far. Let me tell you about the ones we definitely know about. The area is abound with white-tailed deer, some years more than others. We often see their foot prints around the pond. On several occasions in the fall we have had visits in the yard from this years fawns. They run and cavort along the lawn, enjoying the space and freedom. Joyous to watch so I do not mind that sometimes they nip the tops off the lilies as they run by. We don't often see the "does" but on occasion have shooed them from the vegetable garden, this I do not want to share. This past spring we fenced the large garden in which has helped immensely.
One morning we had a start at the breakfast table when two moose walked by the front porch and up the hill to the west of the house. This got dog "Brian" quite excited. Usually the moose spend most of their time in the centre and far end of the property.
We have had a family of otters pass through and eat every goldfish in the pond. They have voracious appetites. We often see their tracks in the winter near the pond as their tail leaves a distinctive pattern.
The pond is bottom spring fed or I'm sure we'd have beaver, (lot's of poplar) there are many beaver in the area.
So far we have only seen the very odd scat of black bear on the trails. I assume they are passing through and we are too often around for them to want to stay.
There are porcupines, so far dog "Brian" has tangled with only one. Perhaps he is one of those rare dogs who actually do learn not to go near them.
The first year we were here we had problems with an old raccoon who thought he should be in the side porch. We have tightened this area up and now just glimpse them once in awhile or see their prints by the pond.
There is a red fox den somewhere nearby as we often see the vixen at dusk crossing the lawn and up the hill.
I had never seen a marten until last summer when one thought our compost pile was the best feeding station he/she had come across.
Of course there are the red squirrels, chipmunks and rumors of flying squirrels though I haven't had the pleasure of seeing one yet. There are many moles in the lawn. The skunks try to outdo them for the food supply, so we often have holes and piles everywhere. Oh, well aerates the lawn.
The pond abounds with frogs; (Leopard and Bullfrogs) to the point I have difficulty cutting the grass as I spend so much time avoiding the frogs and toads. Each spring the din from the tree frogs "peepers" keeps you awake until your head starts to tune them out, The pond also has painted turtles, so far no snappers. The only snake around seems to be the garter snake, though I'm sure there are others I haven't seen. We do have salamanders. There are bats but which one's I'm not sure . Lots of different mice.
Each spring in late March before the snow melts; our back door at the south end of the house is often alive with lady bugs on a warm sunny day. I often will "rescue" some of them and bring them into my plant window in the studio if the weather is about to get very cold again.
Of course spring also brings the "north's notorious black flies" out. Some years worse than others; but no year so far; can even come close to the viciousness of the "far" north's black fly abundance; so I count my blessings. Mosquitoes are another problem; but a good screened porch allows you out in the evenings to enjoy. By the end of July even these are getting few and far between.
The joy of having an unexpected visitor with your morning coffee appear out of the morning mist is an added bonus to our world.
We are very fortunate with the number of birds that visit us during the year. In the late fall I fill the feeders about the house to entice some to stay for us to watch during the long winter months. I have got very adept at making suet cakes and growing different sunflowers specifically for their enjoyment.
We have a Partridge which comes at dusk to eat the spilt seed under the feeders. I often hang groups of sunflower seed heads in the trees. The Blue Jays in particular seem to enjoy these. The grey Canada Jay seems to find things in the compost he enjoys. Both are aggressive noisey birds. The feeders attract many varieties: Chickadees, Juncos, Nut Hatches,Gold Finch,PurpleFinch, Redpolls, Cardinals, even several species of Woodpeckers. We will get the very odd fast visit from Rose Breasted and Evening Grosbeaks.
Spring is coming when the Ravens start moving and talking. The Robins always seem to arrive to early, and it doesn't seem long after that the Humming birds.
In the forest we occasionally get the pleasure of observing Pileated Woodpeckers. I also know we have owls as I see their pellets. Spruce Hens and Partridge are very common. The Patridges fall "drumming" is always a pleasure to hear.
The pond sees the Blue Heron visit, along with the occasional Mallard Duck. I often sit and watch the varied birds bath in the pond's warm edges.
Crows, Blackbirds, Starlings, Cow Birds, Phoebe's, all are in, out and around. I'm sure I've forgotten some of our feathered visitors and will add them as I remember.
We often see Turkey Vultures and Hawks soaring high above us. I haven't spent as much time with the birds here as I would have liked but I need to save somethings for later.
One of the most surprising treats was an Indigo Bunting which visited one spring for several days.
All the above birds add to our enjoyment of Apsley Acers.
BY ROBERT SERVICE
Have you gazed on naked grandeur where there's nothing else to gaze on,
Set pieces and drop curtain scenes galore,
Big mountains heaved to heaven, which the blinding sunsets blazon,
Black canyons where the rapids rip and roar?
Have you swept the visioned valley with the green stream streaking through it,
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost ?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.Have you wandered in the wilderness, the sagebrush desolation,
The bunch-grass levels where cattle graze?
Have you whistled bits of rag-time at the end of all creation,
And learned to know the desert's little ways?
Have you camped upon the foothills, have you galloped o'er the ranges,
Have you roamed the arid sun-lands through and through?
Have you chummed up with the mesa? Do you know its moods and changes?
Then listen to the wild - it's calling you.Have you known the Great White Silence, not a snow-gemmed twig a-quiver?
(Eternal truths that shame our soothing lies.)
Have you broken trail on snowshoes? Mushed your huskies up the river,
Dared the unknown, led the way, and clutched the prize?
Have you marked the map's void spaces, mingled with the mongrel races,
Felt the savage strength of brute in every thew?
And though grim as hell the worst is, can you round it off with curses?
Then harken to the wild - it's wanting you.Have you suffered, starved, and triumphed, groveled down, yet grasped at glory,
Grown bigger in the bigness of the whole?
"Done things" just for doing, letting babblers tell the story.
Seeing through the nice veneer the naked soul?
Have you seen God in His splendours, heard the text that nature renders?
(You'll never hear it in the family pew.)
The simple things, the true things, the silent men who do things -
Then listen to the wild - it's calling you.They have cradled you in custom, they have primed you with their preaching,
They have soaked you in convention through and through;
They have put you in a showcase; you're a credit to their teaching -
But you can't hear the wild - it's calling you.
Let us journey to a lonely land I know,
There's a whisper on the night-wind, there's a star agleam to guide us,
And the wild is calling, calling . . . .let us go.
