Stands at Cane Creek Park

We hope the blossoms will add delightful color for the spring practices at the Youth Fields and those traveling along Jackson Street. In late June and early July, check out the Stella and Bing Cherries growing near the Jackson Street trail. The best access point for these trees is the parking lot at the Your Fields. 

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Be gentile with your harvest practices to promote healthy growth of these new trees! In the first few seasons (2025-2028) we ask that no family harvest more than a handful per day.

Maple seeds may not be your first thought when you think of edible trees, but the seeds are edible and chocked full of protein and carbohydrates. They contain vitamins, minerals, and oils including Omega 3, 6, and 9. The seeds inside those helicopters (samara) also contain magnesium, methionine, and tryptophan. The larger seeds tend to be bitter, so look for those fresh small seeds if you plan to harvest. Like acorns, you can soak them in water to remove their bitterness.

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Several varieties of Maple Trees are an important producer of syrup from Pennsylvania to Vermont -- Sugar Maples are among the favorite varieties for food production. We don't plan to tap the trees that we planted near the Dog Park any time soon, but we hope the early blooms will support pollinators, the shade will provide relief to our furry friends, and the colorful foliage will be a welcome addition in the fall. 

Each mature River Birch will drink 30-40 gallons of water per month. We've added birch trees to this area to address some water and erosion issues.

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We do not encourage harvesting any part of these trees. 

NEVER EAT RAW ELDERBERRIES!! They contain a toxic substance that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

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For the 2025-2026 seasons, we will be cutting off all blooms to encourage the plants to grow into a hedge. This will allow these plants to produce better and more abundant berries going forward. 

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To Harvest: Don't pick individual berries. Use scissors to cut the entire clusters!  Cook or freeze them within 12 hours of harvesting. 

We planted a Swamp Oak Tree in a marshy spot near the Blue Trail. This slow-growing tree has a substantial root system that  will help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The tree, at maturity, will "drink" almost 100 gallons of water per day, but that is decades away. 

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We don't expect the first crop of acorns before 2030, but these acorns (like those of White Oaks) are edible and particular favorite of wildlife. Although Swamp Chestnut Oak Acorns can almost be eaten raw, it is important to prepare the acorns properly before consuming. To remove the bitter tannins, remove the caps and soak them in water until the water runs clear. Floating acorns are bad. Roast them for 15-20 minutes. 

On the Blue Trail, two native persimmon trees have been planted in this triangle. We hope that the root systems will address some erosion needs for the lake and will one day provide shade for those fishing or picnicking in that spot. 

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Some notes about these trees. Although the perfect distance apart, it will be many years before these trees will be large enough to support hammocks. Please give them time to grow.

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Persimmons don't ripen until late fall. Unripe persimmons are astringic. That means they taste AWEFUL before they are ripe. Don't harvest any persimmons from the tree. Instead, wait until they fall off the tree! You are welcome to pick up any that you see on the ground. Please refrain from shaking these trees or removing any branches or twigs.

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Over by the 15th Hole on the disk golf course, we are growing 3 small fig trees. Figs are great fresh or dried. These will be one of our first trees to mature. Harvest them in late-August or early September. This is one crop that you can pick a little bit before they are fully ripe. It is best to pick them early in the morning.

Figs grow on the growth from previous years! So any twigs that are broken mean less figs next year.  

We've planted 3 Pecan Trees in the Woods near the 15th Hole of the Disk Golf Course. We hope to bring some shade to the players at that whole. Pecans are AWESOME trees, but it will be a few years before we see a crop from these trees. Stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy watching these slow-growing hardwoods take shape.

Near the dog park, you may notice some trees have been replaced.These are crab apple trees.

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Crab apples are edible! Although, you probably don't want to much them right off the tree, crab apples can be used in jellies, preserves, and ciders. They are tough little trees, but not indestructible. Please be gentle when harvesting! 

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Please feel free to clean up any that have fallen on the ground to use as animal feed. Note that large amounts of the seeds can be toxic to some animals. 

Peaches love sandy soil, so we are starting a little peach grove in a sand trap. These trees will be trained to prevent disease and produce more peaches. Unfortunately, late frosts in the Upper Cumberland may take the crop in some years.

Harvest: Peaches will begin to ripen in June. Ripe peaches are soft and yellow (not red or green) and will come off the tree easily with a slight twist. If you have to pull, it is not ready! Please don't pick peaches before they are ripe. In the first few seasons (2025-2030) please do not harvest more than 2 peaches per person per day.