The Ash trees along the Boxers’ trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

Seizing the late afternoon December light, we ventured into East Park and strolled along the Boxers’ Trail. Facing westerly and located on a bluff above the Schuylkill, this is a great place to experience the sun set.  We caught the shadows of the leaves of this young Oak cast upon this Ash Tree.

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We noticed an abundance of Ash trees and it dawned on us that there will be changes to the trail when the Ash borer comes through and these trees are killed. There are plenty of red oaks in the area, perhaps they will gain an advantage, as well as the tulip poplars. The loss of the ashes may provide better views of the river for the historic Fairmount Park houses situated on the bluff, as well as for the trail users, to look on the bright side. It will be interesting to see what grows in their place. Perhaps more Ashes!

The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

To have so many trees lost all at once could result in problems, especially on this steep terrain, from erosion to unsightly holes in the forest canopy.

The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

Looking up, there are a lot of Ashes filling in the canopy!

The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
The Ash trees along the Boxers trail in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

Nice walk to experience the landscape and orient ourselves.

Mt Pleasant
Mt Pleasant