Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience.

~Hal Borland

Melissa and I try to test each other as we walk any trail this time of year with a tree trunk quiz – we try to identify trees by just looking at the trunk at eye level…no fair looking up, unless we are stumped.  I thought I would give that a try as an interpretive challenge for one of the nature trails at work. For now, I just have a few images of trees along the trail with answers on the back. Think you can identify trees just by their bark? Give it a try. I gave a hint for each with the photo caption. Answers will be provided in the next post.

Upper trunk and branches have peeling, mottled bark (looks like camouflage)

Small to medium tree with hard wood; trunk looks muscular

Bark with warty knobs; fruit is an important food source for birds and squirrels

Small tree with dense, hard wood; berries are an important food for wildlife

Small to medium tree; trunks often lean instead of growing straight up

Large tree with smooth gray bark; dried leaves remain on branches through winter

Large pine with needles about 7 inches long

Large pine; needles about 3.5 inches long; small resin pits in bark