Meet me at the Peach!

Peach Hill has an unusually rich assortment of plants and animals.  One reason for this is the Hill’s variety of environmental settings; within the Park’s boundaries, Hudsonia has identified eight different natural habitats.  Another reason for is the range of uses humans have made of the area over the past 200 years: livestock pasture, grain and vegetable farming, orchards, and woodlands.

 In this section we will highlight different aspects of the Hill’s natural history.  We welcome and value your contributions.  Please send us your photos and accounts of plants and animals you see at Peach Hill or tag @peachhillpark on Instagram or Facebook! 

 Flora

In addition to the beauty of apple and peach blossoms throughout the Park, note the differing trees — as well as invasive species! Also, please be aware of poison ivy and poison oak throughout the park.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy can be found either as a low growing plant or as a vine.  Contact with the plant or its juices causes an itchy reaction in some people.  If you touch the plant wash with soap and cold water as soon as possible.  TecNu Soap is specially made to prevent this reaction.  It is available at drug stores and outdoor sports stores.

How do you know what it looks like?  There is an old saying “leaves of three let it be, berries white poisonous sight”.   If you remember those two simple points you will be able to identify it. 

 Birds

 There are a number of birds who reside in and around the park! Keep an eye out for some of the birds above and look out for special birdwatching events.

Woodland Creatures

 A number of creatures big and small make their home in the Park. Watch out for rabbits, deer, beavers, groundhogs and more!

Ticks

Ticks are small arachnids.  They range in size from the size of a freckle to the size of pencil eraser.  Ticks go through several life phases and they require a blood meal at each change. Their normal hosts for this blood meal include mice, birds, deer, dogs and even humans.  Unfortunately when they partake of this blood meal they can also pass along several nasty diseases including lyme disease, erlichiosis and babeosis.  A good source for general information about ticks is this Wikipedia Article.

The best ways to avoid tick bites is to prevent them from attaching (and biting) you.  There are several ways to do this:

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into your socks in tick territory.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin on your clothes.
• Do frequent “tick checks” when you are outside and when you come inside.
• Given the choice, avoid tall grass and vegetation.