by Niti Seereeram
While out in the Fells, you may notice pale-pink to lavender flowers of wild geranium popping out amongst the green verdure. Native to eastern North American woodlands, wild geranium is a perennial wildflower, consistently blooming each year around late spring and early summer. Wild geranium’s flowers attract a variety of native bees and insects, making it a powerful contender for pollinator gardens. The seeds are also highly attractive to wildlife such as white-tailed deer, mourning doves, and the bobwhite quail!
Keep an eye on the ground for flashes of black and yellow during this time of year – you may find a Garter snake friend slithering by your feet! During the day, garter snakes like to bask themselves in sunny areas of meadows or forests. These charismatic snakes are not harmful to humans and play an integral role in the Fells food web, feeding on amphibians, fish, small mammals, earthworms, and insects.
Ever wonder why snakes stick out their tongues? They’re smelling you… in a sense! Snakes have a special organ, called the Jacobson’s organ, located in their mouth that helps them sense their environment. When the snake sticks out its tongue, smell particles from the air are collected and sent to the brain as the tongue re-enters its mouth. This is how snakes orient themselves in their surroundings, catch prey, and sense potential predators such as people.
Looking for ways you can support the Fells while hiking on the trails this season? Check out our Trail Adopter program where you can help keep our trail system safe and sustainable by monitoring Middlesex Fells trails. Trail Adopters keep trails accessible by:
- Identifying and reporting issues on trails such as fallen trees
- Collecting data to monitor human impact in the Fells
- Clearing blocked trails and keeping unofficial trails closed
To apply to be a Trail Adopter, please complete this application and join us on June 21st at Greenwood Park for our monthly Trail Adopter Orientation, where you will complete your first trail report with fellow volunteers.
As the days grow sunnier and warmer, we hope you take time to get outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the Middlesex Fells and all who call this beloved park home. Remember to send friends@fells.org photos from your Fells adventures for a chance to be featured. We hope to see you out on the trails!
Banner image by Mary H. New.