Not Just for Kids

Did you know that trees growing along our shores have a history of preventing disease, supplying food and supporting Native American culture?

* Native Americans used more than 20 Bay-area trees ­ from sycamore to white oak to cottonwood ­ for everything from cleaning cuts to curing "weakness."

* The black walnut, which the Indians of Delaware Valley called the "round nut tree," was roasted over a fire, tied into bundles and boiled to create a strong tea for intestinal problems.

* In late winter and early spring, eastern woodlands Indians spent between three and six weeks tapping 12 maple species for syrup. They used the syrup for cooking vegetables and fruit, and as a spice. Check your local nature center for nearby maple festivals.

* Native Americans tapped black, cherry, yellow and white birch for sugars to make drinks, vinegars and syrups.

* The Delaware smoked cedar and prayed to the Creator to stave off bad dreams. Children with nightmares were sprinkled with water that had been soaked in cedar boughs.

Search for the Missing Leaf

Can you identify these leaf outlines by matching them with the list of trees? answers at bottom

Bonus Challenge: One leaf is not from the Chesapeake Bay region. Can you guess which one?


You can visit the largest white oak in the nation!

The Wye Oak in Wye Mills on the Eastern Shore has reigned as national champion since 1940, when American Forests began keeping the National Register of Big Trees.

dolphinsDrawing Contest! Send us your dolphin drawings!






 Name___________________________________________________________________ Age _______


Address __________________________________________________________________________


City/State/Zip _________________________________________ Telephone ( ___)_______________

Answers: 1) Sycamore 2) Pin Oak 3) Texas Palmetto 4) Eastern White Pine 5) White Oak 6) Tuliptree BONUS ANSWER: The Texas Palmetto is found down in ­ you guessed it ­ Texas!

| Issue 19 |

Volume VII Number 19
May 13-19, 1999
New Bay Times

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