Longleaf Ridge began exploring the Trail Between the Lakes on a hike Sunday afternoon, February 23, 2020, led by Lisa Wise. We headed west off FM 2426, walking about an hour into the serene Sabine National Forest, following a small stream. The most noticeable flora was Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia, which dotted the trail with buds ready to burst open. Some of the other flora observed is pictured and identified below. We scared a few Bobwhite quail that flew up in front of us, and passed several pines marked as Red-cockaded woodpecker nesting trees. Keith Stephens pointed out where an old railroad tram line used to pass through, and found old bottles in the spring. We hiked in about an hour, rested and hiked back. Hopefully, this is the first on many hikes on this 23 mile long trail between Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Toledo Bend right in our own backyard!
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- Heading into the forest…
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- Admiring the scenery
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- Pausing to reflect
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- Keith tells a story
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- Storehouse of knowledge
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- Lisa’s Karate Kid pose
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- Rest and refreshment
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- A little help
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- Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest hole
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- Lisa serious
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- Carolina mantis
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- Red Buckeye
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- Canadian Wood Betony
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- Indian Plantain
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- Parlin’s Pussytoes