Fallen Coves Sentinel
The lone Sycamore tree that has come to symbolize the Coves has fallen into the East Pond. The main trunk, hollowed out by a thoughtlessly placed campfire, is still standing but the upper trunk and branches now litter the water's edge. Strong winds likely toppled the tree, which was noticed today when one of our staff members was taking pictures of the high water levels that resulted from recent melting. The old tree towered over the surrounding Sumac and Black Walnut trees in a low-lying, flood-prone area of the Coves Environmentally Significant Area. The Sycamore stood out so prominently that it was easily identifiable in aerial photographs.
The Sycamore on December 29, 2008, soon after it broke
(photo by William J. Lyons)
The fallen limbs of the tree will continue to play a vital role in the Coves ecosystem as they become new habitat for fish, turtles and frogs. Emergent logs will provide new vacancies for turtles for whom the East pond of the Coves is already a popular sun basking site.
The Sycamore in late Fall 2006 after it had already dropped its leaves
(photo by Dave Miller)
Check out our Photo Gallery for more images of our fallen friend
We will continue to keep an eye out for these and other interesting changes that happen in and around the Coves. Stay tuned!