 A .7 mile trail begins a
short distance from the visitor center and follows Wilde Brook through Chesterfield
Gorge. The Begining of the trail is within a plant community dominated by sun-loving oak
and pine trees. Different types of plants need various amounts of sunlight, moisture and heat
to grow. Take note of these changes as you travel through the Gorge. |
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Wilde Brook
originates in two ponds uphill from the park. After its waters rush through the gorge, the brook
flow into the more gentle waters of Partridge Brook. This stream continues on to merge
with the Connecticut River ten miles downstream.
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You may see clumps of
brownish suds floating on the stream. This is not pollution from somebody's washing machine,
but is more likely to be evidence of minerals in the water from decomposing wood and roots.
It is a natural product of the stream and is not harmful.
Hemlock is the predominant
plant species within the gorge. The hemlock's root system takes up much of the available
nutrient material in the soil. Its boughs shade out much sunlight, inhibiting the growth of all
but the most shade-tolerant plants. In addition, the high rock walls of the gorge shut
out direct sunlight and trap evaporation from the stream, maintaining a cool, damp
microclimate.
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Three other trees also
grow well in these conitions and can be found along the trail. Beech trees have a smooth,
light gray bark and a muscular-looking trunk. The yellow birch is distinguished by its
yellow-silver bark that separates from the trunk in thin, film-like curls. It is a valuable
timber tree in northern New Hampshire. The black birch has smooth, dark gray bark that
emits a pungent, sweet odor when its twigs are broken.
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On the forest floor you
may see the dark green leaves of the wintergreen plant. The leaves of this small creeping
vine have the pleasant smell of mint when crushed. Other moisture-loving, shade-tolerant
plants such as mosses and ferns, are plentiful.
Lichens, the hardiest
of all plants, grows on rocks. Lichens are a mixture of fungi and algae. A fungus feeds on
an alga, and the alga receives protection from wind and water loss from the fungus. This
symbiotic relationship allows them to grow together when neither could on its own.
Lichen can tolerate low levels of light and require no soil. A pioneer species, lichen
tends to break down the surface of the rock, causing soil material to accumulate. This
enables other plants, such as mosses, to grow. |
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From the NH Division of Parks & Recreation Brochure
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