After a restful nights sleep in the yurts, we were up early for breakfast. After breakfast we made the drive to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Joyce Kilmer was a soldier and poet. He wrote the poem, “Trees,” in 1913, which you can read below. 

The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest was dedicated in 1936. This special place is designated wilderness with over 100 species of trees in the forest. Some of the trees are 450 to 500 years old. We identified 31 of these species while hiking through the forest and measured the circumference of several of the larger Tulip Poplars. The largest measured 21 feet around. We also used a non-standard unit of measurement: hugs. That same large tree was approximately 5 hugs around. In addition to trees, we also identified many other plants and flowers.

While hiking we discussed how the use of mechanized tools is not allowed in designated wilderness areas. We observed the splintered remains of many hemlock trees that had succumbed to the wooly adelgid. These trees were intentionally downed through the use of dynamite instead of a chainsaw because this more closely mimics a lightning strike. We found one tree that had fallen naturally and its hollowed stump was large enough to fit our whole group inside!

After our hike and a quick picnic lunch, we ventured to Yellow Creek Falls for another short hike to view a waterfall, swim, and complete a writing marathon.  We were challenged to write continuously for 45 minutes about any topic of our choice. We shared excerpts from this activity at our group meeting after dinner.

During our group meeting, we spent some time reflecting on the week and what it has meant to us each personally. We also discussed what we will each be bringing back to our classrooms from all that we have learned this week. We wrapped up the evening with a campfire to celebrate the completion of a wonderful, memorable trip.

Trees by Joyce Kilmer (1913)

I think I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree. 
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray; 
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair; 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 
Whose intimately lives with rain. 
Poems are made by fools like me, 
But only God can make a tree.