Into the Woods with Curio: Marcescence

The Beacon woods look very different in the middle of winter, compared to when most people experience them during the green fullness of summer. The leaves are gone now, as are most of the wildlife, (including some of those pesky insects) and everything is more open and …bare.

With some exceptions. As you look around the camp, you’ll notice some young trees in the woods with most of their leaves, while up on the ridges across the lake there are many mature trees still covered in leaves. The leaves aren’t green anymore, being more of a coppery brown, and withered. So why are the leaves still on these trees?

Leaves that remain on trees into the winter are referred to as marcescent, (pronounced mahr-ses-uhnt) leaves, meaning something like ‘holding on’. Another term used is ‘ever-ciduous’.

The deciduous tree species that hold on to their leaves in Muskoka are the oak trees, (three species -- red, white and bur oak) and the American beech. All of these trees are also seen at Beacon.

These are Carolinian trees, and more at home in the sunny south, such as southern Ontario and down into the US, rather than the Canadian Shield. Here they are at the northern edge of their range, and are not as suited to withstand the longer, harsher winter conditions that are the norm here in Muskoka. This helps explain, in part, why they hold onto their leaves.

According to the book ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ one reason trees hold onto their leaves into the wintertime is to help the trees stay a little warmer, and not dry out in the harsh winter winds.

Other research suggests that marcescent leaves may be a way of the tree protecting next spring’s buds and their twigs from being eaten by wildlife, such as deer and moose. It is also thought that deer and moose won’t eat dry leaves because it is too noisy and may attract predators!

Still another reason that the trees wait until spring to drop their leaves may be so they can add some nutrients into the soil for themselves at a time when it is most needed.

The trees may also use the dead leaves to catch and keep some snow over the winter. When it melts in the springtime the captured snow may provide more water for the tree.

Interesting possibilities, and amazing examples of how God has equipped these trees to adapt to an unfriendly winter environment in order to survive. He provides shelter, food and even water, and protects them from enemies to get them through a tough season.

God does the same for us. He may not make the tough times go away or disappear, but He provides for us so we can get through them, protecting us and empowering us to overcome, by His grace.

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Oak leaves displaying marcescence

Monk's Musings: A Strange New Year Begins

As we've been settling into The Wheelhouse, our new Canadian home since our return from Colombia, we collected some of our old pictures and framed sayings, and have been placing them in strategic places on the walls. It makes us feel more at home. One of the pictures is a Spanish rendering of Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

I don't know how your New Year is beginning. For us it included coming down with Covid19, staying in bed, and slowly recovering. At this point, I can't smell or taste anything. I hope that will return. There are other things I hope for, and others that I fear. And as this strange new year rolls on, God whispers to us: "don't be afraid, I am with you..."

One of our grandchildren had their birthday today, and as she looks to the uncertain future, the Lord comes alongside and tells us all: "be strong and courageous, do not be discouraged, the Lord will be with you." This is the promise HE makes us. This is HIS promise for Beacon Bible Camp. Let us trust HIM, and live one day at a time. Let us grow to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, and seek to love our neighbour as ourselves.

With all our love and best wishes from Monk & Tia, from beautiful snow covered Beacon Bible Camp.

Joshua 1:9 in Spanish

Happy Trails

Being on the move and being out in nature have long been recognized as valuable for good mental health. As Christians, we recognize that there is also a spiritual health layer to this, since recognizing our natural surroundings as the work of a loving Creator who wants us to know Him gives significance to all we see.

Beacon’s property boasts many beautiful trails of a variety of lengths and destinations which give great opportunities to be on the move and completely surrounded by creation. Maybe you’ve been on these trails, maybe you haven’t - but either way, here are some descriptions to get you excited for where your feet can take you during your next Beacon visit!

Sugar Shack Trail: The Sugar Shack Trail is a big loop that can be accessed near the railroad crossing on the Beacon road. My favourite place to start on the Sugar Shack Trail Loop is by going up and across the Ridge. From there, the trail cuts through deep maple-dominated forest. After passing by the Sugar Shack, the trail returns to its origin by following the railroad tracks. Moose tracks have been sighted along this trail in recent years.

Points of interest: Sugar Shack outbuildings, fern-filled forest floor sections, mature forest, access to the Ridge

The Inner Trails: This refers to a set of intersecting trail loops that run between the Maintenance Shed and the soccer field and the top of the Tube Hill. Because of their proximity to main camp and their short length, these trails are camp’s most accessible trail options.

Points of interest: Waterfall and stream, small bridges, elevation change, access to the soccer field

The Point Trail: Starting from the top of the tube hill, the Point Trail run all the way to a campsite on the other side of Beacon Lake. There are many erratic boulders, views of bodies of water, and interesting types of trees and plant life to make every section of this hike interesting. Most of the hike takes place on a ridge, but when approaching the Point, there is a ladder section for descending down the steep slope.

Points of interest: view of Lost Lake, view of Beacon Lake, erratics, campsite

Lost Lake Trails: Branching off of the Point Trail, there is a path leading towards Lost Lake. This trail soon splits to give hikers the option of circling around to reach the Sunset Point campsite or continuing forward to reach Lost Plateau campsite. Twin Pines campsite is accessible by canoe from the Lost Plateau campsite.

Points of interest: Campsites, small dock, view of Lost Lake