The MacNaughton Morrison Trail is one section of the South Huron Trail. The trailhead is in MacNaughton Park in the town of Exeter. The four-kilometer trail skirts the Ausable River which can be crossed on bridges at two points along the trail. The trail leads to the Morrison Dam Conservation Area that features a 30-acre lake.
Although the trail can be rich with birds during the spring and fall migrations, September 18 was not a prime time for sighting birds. But the day was sunny and perfect for a walk through the woods and trails.
Exeter is known as the location of an established population of white squirrels. Genetic mutations can cause the Eastern Grey Squirrel to have white fur instead of the usual grey, black or reddish fur. The white morph is a rare mutation, an inherited condition that results in white fur not related to a lack of pigmentation.
We were disappointed that we did not see a white morph squirrel on our walk. We have since learned that white squirrels are more abundant in Exeter’s residential areas, especially in the historic core area where they have been documented since 1912. Next time!
Plants were still in bloom or setting seeds.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Cutleaf Coneflower, Prickly Sowthistle, White Baneberry (aka Doll’s-Eyes), Devil’s Beggarticks, Common Jewelweed, possibly Calico Aster.
Morrison Dam Conservation Area
Here we found a few more plants in bloom.
Nodding Beggarticks (2 photos), Joe-Pye Weed, Hairy White Oldfield Aster, knapweed, Chickory.
White Ash leaves were turning bronze-purple.
Below the dam, we crossed the river and returned along the opposite side of the river.
Along the wooded path, we came across Canadian Wild Ginger and Broad-leaved Goldenrod.
A satisfying walk on a sunny September day!
The Bangles featuring Susanna Hoffs
Started rocking in the sixties and still rocking in their sixties.