Day Seven, (Saturday) Visit to Kejimkujik National Park

Still taking a break from our research and field work at Cook’s Lake, Chris (Dr. Newman) took the team on a trip out to “Keji” National Park and Historic Site. It was a long drive (about two hours) from our Cherry Hill home base, but well worth the trip. Although we did not see any bears or moose, we did certainly take in some lovely scenery, and Mike, you will be happy to know we saw a few herps (a garter snake and some more frogs to be specific.) Can’t you ever get enough? I know, they are irresistible!

If you take a look through the photographs you will see some of the interesting natural phenomena that I observed at the park. These include: huge, old fallen hemlock trees, lush blankets of moss, and hemlock tree root systems growing on a huge boulder. Hiking through the park with Chris at the lead was a relaxing treat for me and the rest of my Earthwatch team. Of course, walking along, we are always looking for scat! Pictured here is a sample found by teammate Katherine, being identified by Chris as fox droppings. Also, do you notice anything special about my fall tree pictures?

The team was also honored to be invited to a presentation given by a native woman who identifies with the Mi’kmaq tribe, which has inhabited the park for an estimated 5,000 years. Some tribe members still live just outside the park borders. She talked about the rock carvings, or petroglyphs which were left along canoe routes by some of her native ancestors, and the meaningful stories they tell. This was a perfect ending to our restful day off. Tomorrow morning it will be back to work.