Trees Have Many Secrets--
But We'll Share Some...
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Our long-time visitors may be familiar with our Medicinal Tree Trail guide, originally created by UM-Dearborn student Greg Norwood to fulfill an anthropology independent study project. Eight trees along a portion of the White Oak Trail on the west side of Fair Lane Lake were featured for their human uses as traditional medicines by Native Peoples in this region.
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Greg’s anthropology professor (now emeritus), Dr. Daniel Moerman, a scholar in ethnobotany (human use of plants) and the placebo effect, served as his advisor in the development of this trail guide.
Greg has gone on to a career as a biologist, first with the US Fish and Wildlife’s Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and now with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as an ecologist in the Parks and Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit.
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Recently, this trail guide was updated, expanded, and renamed. The Hidden Benefits of Trees: An Exploration of Medicinal and Other Uses From First Nations to Today now includes ten trees and expands the concept of human uses of trees through time and cultures. Initiated as a new independent study project by Environmental Studies student Kristin Davis and completed by recent Environmental Science graduate and EIC Parkhurst Natural Area Fellow Courtney Wagner, the tree guide is formatted as a virtual Story Map and can be accessed by smart phone via a QR code.
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Many hands worked to bring this project to fruition. Peter Knoop, a GIS specialist at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, volunteered to accurately map the trees using a high-resolution GPS. We also thank him for his help.
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Eagle Scout Glen Warren (left) and his team of Scouts from Troop 1147 installed interpretive signposts for the guided trail along the west side of Fair Lane Lake. Glen reached out to the EIC in March 2021 with a proposal to install signposts linking to online resources for wildlife interpretation for his Eagle project. He graciously agreed to install the signs for the updated tree trail. Glen and his team worked with Rick Simek, EIC Director Claudia Walters, and Courtney Wagner to design the signs. Glen raised the funding to obtain the materials and equipment for their installation.
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Due to supply chain hiccups and other unforeseen detours, the project was delayed several times and finally completed just after Christmas 2021, thanks to the tenacity and determination of Glen and Troop 1147. This local troop has donated much time and effort to EIC projects over the years, for which we are extremely grateful. |
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As the introductory trail head sign explains, “From pre-colonial times through today, people have used the bark, leaves, roots, and fruits of trees for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. The different trees have also been used to craft furniture or tools, based on the strength or flexibility of their wood,” many of which you may have in your home and medicine cabinet.
Scientific American reports, “Nearly half of all human pharmaceuticals now in use were originally derived from natural sources. Perhaps the most famous example is aspirin, which evolved from a compound found in the bark and leaves of the willow tree and was later marketed by Bayer starting in 1899.” (The next time you reach for aspirin, thank a willow tree!).
Conservation stewardship of medicinal plants and their habitats is an international concern. The Center for Biological Diversity reports, “Over centuries, cultures around the world have learned how to use plants to fight illness and maintain health, but we still know little about the treasure trove inhabiting our wild places. As of 1995, less than 1 percent of all tropical plant species had been screened for potential pharmaceutical applications. The study and conservation of medicinal plant (and animal) species has become increasingly urgent. The accelerating loss of species and habitat worldwide adds to this urgency. Already, about 15,000 medicinal plant species may be threatened with extinction worldwide. Experts estimate that the Earth is losing at least one potential major drug every two years.”
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We invite you to explore the hidden benefits of our natural “medicine chest,” like this Black Cherry tree, on this updated trail soon. You can also visit virtually through clicking on the story map link. As research confirms, time spent outdoors is good for our physical and mental health—in so many ways!
We hope to see you out on the trails in the New Year and wish you the very best in 2022!
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From a lifelong passion for ants, E.O. Wilson guided humanity to think of conservation
"E. O. Wilson was an extraordinary scholar in every sense of the word. Back in the 1980s, Milton Stetson, the chair of the biology department at the University of Delaware, told me that a scientist who makes a single seminal contribution to his or her field has been a success. By the time I met Edward O. Wilson in 1982, he had already made at least five such contributions to science.
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Throughout his career Wilson flatly rejected the notion held by many scholars that natural history – the study of the natural world through observation rather than experimentation – was unimportant. He proudly labeled himself a naturalist, and communicated the urgent need to study and preserve the natural world. Decades before it was in vogue, he recognized that our refusal to acknowledge the Earth’s limits, coupled with the unsustainability of perpetual economic growth, had set humans well on their way to ecological oblivion."
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We are on the other side of the Winter Solstice, gradually enjoying longer hours of daylight now! Dedicated volunteer and EIC friend, Joe Turek, shares his Tales from the Trails in a note to Natural Areas Manager, Rick Simek:
Hi Rick,
My theory about birds singing and being more vocal in response to sunshine was confirmed yesterday. As soon as I came out Sunday, there was singing from Carolina Wrens, a Tufted Titmouse calling, Dark-eyed Juncos calling, and five Black-capped chickadees noisily foraging in the ninebark, all behind the EIC near the shed . There was so much activity there, it was almost as if the birds remembered all the food around the feeders.
Red- bellied, Downy, and Hairy woodpeckers were scattered throughout the natural area. A goldfinch was foraging along the Lakeside Trail again. If it was migration season, I could easily have mistaken it for a warbler. They seem to like it there near the water in the winter. I also saw a small bird with a white eyestripe foraging on the ground near the nannyberry thicket on the Lakeside trail. I didn't get a real good look at it but I'm pretty sure it was a Carolina wren.
There were a few people out, probably, like me, trying to work off some of the food I've eaten over the last couple of days.
See you on the trails
(Male Red-bellied Woodpecker photo above by Jim Simek)
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In this unusual time, venturing outdoors and encountering nature is even more important. Our trails are accessible, so please visit our Environmental Study Area. Check out our Remote Learning Activities & Resources page for ideas to create a “Neighborhood Nature Journal” and “Family Nature Walk” activities! |
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Please stay safe, stay tuned, and stay engaged in learning activities while we eagerly wait for the opportunities to share experiences together. In the meantime, watch for our new online activities to satisfy your curiosity about the natural world. |
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Please remember...
The EIC Environmental Study Area is open daily from sunrise to sunset. We would like to remind nature-goers that fishing on site is prohibited and to leave bikes and dogs at home because they cause disruption and stress to the EIC wildlife.
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