Today we went back for a visit to Van Buskirk Farm Preserve. It’s one of those places I doubt many people even know about much less visit. The preserve is hidden in plain sight just off the side of a major road and if you didn’t know where to look for the trailhead, you’d probably drive right past and miss all the beauty it has to offer. Today Cranberry Creek was sparkling with bright tones of emerald green reflected by the moss carpets clinging to the large boulders strewn about the creek. Boughs of the great hemlock trees bent and swayed along with the the breeze and the water cascaded in a rhythmic natural orchestra. As we made our way to the bridge that crosses the creek, I noticed some work was done to the trail to clear the heavy the storm damage I’d seen the last time we were here.

As we hiked the the dirt trail navigating the muddy sections always to be expected this time of year, I noticed an American Toad sitting quietly hoping to blend in with the leaf debris and waiting for us to pass. We continued onward through the forest and came upon two little red efts making their way along the trail. We hiked up to the red rock quarry, passed the vernal pool that is usually filled with the sound of chirping frogs and made our way down to the ruins of the old farm. I spotted an interesting fungi today which I ID’d later as “Witch’s Butter”. Witch’s Butter is an edible fungus also known as yellow brain, golden jelly and yellow trembler. The names seemed appropriate to match its description. This type of fungus is typically found on fallen branches and grows in crevices of bark during rainy weather. It dries up a few days after the rain, but it can revive itself when it gets wet again. Fascinating.

The hike is fairly short, but it was a perfect spring day to drive to the Poconos and simply enjoy the nature. We sat on the bridge for a while before heading back and as we did the sun began to peak through what had started out as on overcast day. It was a perfect morning.

Click “Read More” below for more photos from the day.