Genius Hour Week 2

                                    

Welcome to the Bruce Trail! 

The Black Walnut trail can be accessed from the Wiley Road and Pelham Road entrances. This natural terrain path is a shared use trail through many scenic valleys. Horseback riders and mountain bikers will find this trail to be a moderate ride. Some of the notable features along this trail include several old roads, mixed hardwood and coniferous vegetation, and a variety of wildflowers including Birdsfoot Trefoil, and Common Milkweed. This trail loops through the eastern section of the park. It parallels a section of the Bruce Trail, winds around Twelve Mile Creek, follows an old farm road and joins the Swayze Falls Trail at the central kiosk.











Our first hike was on Wednesday September 12 at Shorthills Friendship Trail on the Black Walnut Trail! My group members (Amy and Colleen) and myself documented our experiences for our Genius Hour Project. I was collecting data on the natural resources in the area based on survival and if a hiker became stranded on the trail. My data is focusing on the four elements Air, Land, Water, and Fire. 

Air: This is based on the wind element within the trail. Most of the trail is covered with trees which provides a good amount of shade, this provides good wind movement that helps hikers to stay cool and dry in case of rain. There is also some parts of the trail that are open where sunshine can be accessed as well. The fresh air helps us breathe and connect back to our deep breathes. 

Walking Trail Only

Land: There was many fallen trees that are good resources for shelter. The wood and leaves are good foliage. There is also medicines in certain trees, example is cedar. There were many cedar trees spotted. This medicine boosts vitamin C and benefical minerals. I also observed many birch trees. Birch can be used to start quick fires and for materials such as canoes, bowls, baskets and drink. Shorthills boosts many flat areas to set up camp and escape harsh winds. 

Water: Shorthills has many waterfalls and streams. This is beneficial for the wildlife and if hikers became stranded they would have a water source.

Natural Stream

Fire: Fallen trees can provide warmth, heat and a cooking source. There was many clear areas that is close to water to start a fire in a safe way free of destruction.  

The Black Walnut Trail is full of natural resources. The trail has many additional side paths where hikers can choose there trails. The trail is filled with the four elements and can be a safe haven for any hiker if they get hurt or stranded within the trail. However, the trail has clear markers that would make it difficult for hikers to get lost. Overall I would rate this trail a 7/10. 

Fallen Trees