Late Fall Botanical & Bird Walk at Spring Grove Cemetery with Denis Conover

Theme: Late Fall Botanical & Bird Walk

Location: Spring Grove Cemetery

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024

Meet: 10:00 A.M. at Spring Grove Cemetery, along the road just beyond the tunnel from the main entrance on Spring Grove Avenue

Leader: Denis Conover, (513) 390-0863, conovedg@hotmail.com

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Some people think of November as a cold and dreary month but I would disagree. I think late autumn is a beautiful time of the year and the subtle hues of the landscape interspersed with late fall colors offer up a stark beauty.

Our field trip leader, noted botanist Denis Conover, agrees with me and as always, he will point out the diverse botanical community found at Spring Grove Cemetery. Denis has become our regular ASO field trip leader for Spring Grove. Denis is an ASO Board Member, a UC biology professor, and an expert botanist and naturalist. So come along and join Denis as he leads us on a mid-morning autumnal walk through the beautiful grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery.

Denis will identify the tremendous diversity of trees, shrubs, fallen leaves and other plants that can be found here and expound on their ecology. Denis will also point out our native flora, invasive species, and ornamental plantings as well as show us some of the champion trees found here. Denis has interests in all aspects of natural history and he will be sure to point out the birds and other fauna we are sure to see. So come along and join Denis to see the fall foliage on what should be a beautiful autumnal morning and gain some tips and insight on plant identification and their natural history. Late migrant songbirds and new winter arrivals will also be seen.

Participants should be prepared for a few hours of steady walking, most of which will be relatively flat and on pavement, but there will also be some walking off pavement on trails or in damp or wet grass. This will be a three to four hour walk. Denis is always willing to stay later if anyone wants to go longer. We suggest wearing good waterproof footwear and dress for cool to cold temperatures. Binoculars are not necessary to see plants but are recommended if you have them, or want to see birds clearly. Restrooms are available at the cemetery office. Denis says rain will not cancel this trip. If you have any questions feel free to contact Denis.

Directions: The Spring Grove Cemetery main entrance is located on Spring Grove Avenue just west of the Winton Road intersection. To find our meeting spot, drive in through the main entrance gates and go straight. You will go through a short tunnel. Just beyond the tunnel, pull over and park alongside the right side of the road.

Spring Grove Cemetery website:

https://www.springgrove.org/locations/spring-grove-cemetery-arboretum/

Spring Grove Cemetery Map:

https://www.springgrove.org/resource/maps/

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)