Stout Woods has many ephemeral wetlands. These areas, filled with water during the Spring, make an excellent amphibian habitat. In the Spring you can hear a veritable symphony of singing frogs! During other seasons, keep a look out for frogs, toads, and salamanders moving around near the trail!

This stop also highlights the first tree discussed along the trail, the Green Ash. Unlike its cousin the White Ash, the Green Ash prefers to live in wet areas.

 

Many people identify Ash trees by their bark and fruit. The bark tends to be gray and has diamond-shaped ridges. The Ash fruit looks like a tiny canoe paddle - which is fitting for a tree that likes to live near water. It is also fitting because almost all oars and paddles are made out of Ash wood these days!