OPET is particularly interested in whether there are rare or endangered species and the presence of invasive exotic plants that threaten the land's native bio-diversity. This survey will assist the board in developing a management plan.
Photo: A Spinulose Woodfern (dryopteris carthusiana) with Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense).

Four surveys will be made over the growing season to "catch" plants are different times of the year. Some plants are difficult to identify until they are in flower while others make only a brief appearance before disappearing until the next growing season. The spring ephemerals are a classic example of this. These fleeting little jewels appear on the forest floor before the trees fully leaf out. During the early May survey, there were carpets of Starflowers (Trientalis borealis), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) and Bellworts (Uvularia sessilifolia) just as Lady slippers (Cypripedium acaule) were emerging from the ground.

So far, two surveys found over 70 plant species. The good news is there are several wonderful trees of significant size on the site - beeches (Fagus grandifolia), tupelos (Nyssa sylvatica) Atlantic white cedars (Chamaecyparis thyoides) and possibly a huge elm or American linden. The tree is so tall it is difficult to see the leaves. Once the tree is fully leafed out or blossoming it will be easier to identify. Most likely it is a linden, as few elms survive to any size in the wild due to Dutch elm disease. The few remaining elms in Falmouth manage to limp along due to their constant, expensive treatment from the town's tree warden.

The bad news is there are about a dozen invasive species in the Park. Luckily most of them currently appear in small, manageable numbers.

The biggest problem by far is with bush honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii). A large patch is growing under the large elm/linden tree near Mosquito Creek. This area looks like the remains of an old dump, which makes sense. Invasive plants like to move in and quickly take advantage of disturbed areas muscling out our native plants. OPET needs to develop a management plan to eradicate these plants before they take over the entire low land near Mosquito Creek. We also need a strategy for dealing with the other invasives before they spread and we have to deal with large numbers of even nastier invasives such as Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) or Multifora rose (Rosa multiflora).
                               The delicate flower of Trailing arbutus or Mayflower (Epigaea repens)

Taking part in these surveys allows one to appreciate the quiet beauty of Zinn Park. One the first survey we saw the Massachusetts state flower, Trailing arbutus, or Mayflower (Epigaea regens). People come from Boston to see this flower on Cape Cod as it has nearly disappeared in their area as a result of development. This low, creeping evergreen likes to grow along the edges of woodland paths. If you life the leaves you can find tiny, white bell-shaped flowers and if you crouch low enough, you can smell its sweet scent. It is discoveries such as these that make Zinn Park special.

Luckily for OPET members, you too can get a chance to enjoy the beauty of Zinn Park. Mario will combine the final plant survey in September with a nature walk, date and time to be announced. Watch for notices on the OPET web site and The Falmouth Enterprise.

- by Wendi Buesseler