From Wikipedia:
"Acer rubrum (Red Maple, also known as
Swamp or Soft Maple), is one of the most common and widespread
deciduous trees of eastern North America. It ranges from the
Lake of the Woods on the border between Ontario and Minnesota,
east to Newfoundland, south to near Miami, Florida, and
southwest to east Texas. Many of its features, especially its
leaves, are quite variable in form. At maturity it often
attains a height of around 25 metres (82 ft). It is aptly
named as its flowers, petioles, twigs and seeds are all red to
varying degrees. Among these features, however, it is best
known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in
autumn.
Over most of its
range, red maple is adaptable to a very wide range of site
conditions, perhaps more so than any other tree in eastern North
America. It can be found growing in swamps, on poor dry soils, and
most anywhere in between. Elevation is also not a limiting factor
in its range, as it grows well from sea level to about 900 m (3,000
ft). Due to its attractive fall foliage and pleasing form, it is
often used as a shade tree for landscapes. It is used commercially
on a small scale for maple syrup production as well as for its
medium to high quality lumber. It is also the State Tree of Rhode
Island."
Trees other than the
ubiquitous Pitch Pines and Scrub Oaks are not too common in the
Wharton State Forest. Yes you will find the occasional cedars
but rarely will you see maples. Well come on down to Maple
Island. As its name implies, a refuge for maple trees. The island
is surrounded by marshes associated with Hayes Mill Creek and
Sleeper Branch. Being a highpoint in a wet area, the trees
were no doubt protected from the forest fires common to
Wharton. Still you have to look sharp for the maples as there
are quite a few pitch pines mixed in with them. In fact most of the
maples appear to be at the edge of the island in the wetland with
pitch pines in the center of the island.
Getting to Maple
Island is part of the fun. For me 2WD got pretty close and a
mountain bike carried me in on the home stretch. Park on
Maple Island Road and walk or bike the rest of the way in and enjoy
the sights. You can always drive in from the north but check the
tides in Wharton before you venture out as there is a low point on
the road which can get pretty wet.
While you are in the
area check out Moose's Maple
Island cache which inspired this cache. Its up on the
other end of the island and in the thick of the
marsh.