A large and aged Maple, with some interesting burls. I particularly like the spiky ones about 4m up the trunk. Burls are a natural growth on several varieties of tree. They may be the result of a fungus infection, a wound, or physical damage to the tree, or in some cases unknown. Burls do not directly affect a tree’s survival, but may weaken the trunks resistance to becoming windfall.
Not all that pretty on the outside, burls do attract attention from woodworkers due to their compact and twisted grain pattern, making them prized for decorative effects when carved or when shaved to be used as veneer.
This one, though, is likely to survive for some time yet in the protective environment of a Provincial Park..
You will need to look closely and carefully for the container, a small pill vial with a push and turn lid, wrapped in camo tape, and hidden in a recess in the trunk, Search gently with eyes and fingers.
Note that the three caches in this short trail are in the ‘no dogs’ zone of the park, due to proximity to the Heritage farm,