Oak Valley Trail, Shelton

Enjoyed a walk along Oak Valley Trail this morning. Hope Lake gave a clear reflection:

Lots of Tulip Trees along the trail. Big, tall telephone poles. It's an ancient species dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. In the southern Appalachians Tulips grow up to 30 feet in circumference.

Maple-Leaf Viburnum is very common and generally unnoticed until the fall when it produces these berries:

I love the powerline corridors. The early-successional habitat is one of the rarest in Connecticut, and it supports lots of wildlife.