Trees on the Trolley Trail

TREES ON THE TROLLEY TRAIL

Did you know there are more than 20 tree species along the trolley trail? An array of shade trees, evergreens, fruit-bearing, and flowering trees benefit hikers, bikers, runners, and those out for a casual stroll. They cool and clean the air, foster biodiversity, beautify neighborhoods, and create a sense of community for the adjacent neighborhoods.

Shade trees on the trail include Red Maple, Black Walnut, Sycamore and a variety of flowering trees. Their foliage cools the air by reducing the amount of solar radiation penetrating the canopy; the rest is either absorbed or reflected into the atmosphere. Shade trees also clean the air by capturing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants.

Evergreens, such as Sweet Bay Magnolia, American Holly, and Eastern White Pine enhance the beauty of the path by adding year-round color and texture. These trees also offer winter habitat for animals, act as windbreaks, and reduce soil erosion.

Fruit-bearing trees, including Serviceberry, Pawpaw, and Persimmon, offer seasonal treats for denizens of the trolley trail, including people, pollinators, and birds. The native pawpaw produces banana-like fruit that attracts wildlife and is edible by humans. In late summer, fruit-bearing trees support pollinators by offering them pollen and nectar. Pollinators, in turn, help fruit trees by transferring pollen, enabling them to produce fruit. Flowering trees like Dogwood, Redbud, and Magnolia, burst into color in spring, enhancing the beauty of the trail and providing the first nectar of the season for bees and other pollinators. Their blossoms delight residents and visitors alike.

All the trees on the trolley trail contribute to biodiversity by sheltering birds, insects, and squirrels. Woodpeckers, nut hatches, chickadees, and titmice build nests in trunk cavities and forage for insects from bark. Birds nesting in the lower limbs of trees and feeding on the ground include Robins, Northern Cardinals, House Sparrows, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, House Finches, Carolina Wrens, Goldfinches and Grackles.

The Trolley Trail is a unique feature of College Park, projecting the city’s commitment to protecting the canopy, practicing sustainability, and providing residents and visitors with an engaging outdoor experience. Its tree-lined path is a significant source of identity for the neighborhoods of Calvert Hills, Lakeland, and Berwyn, through which it winds.

If you wish to learn more about the trees on the Trolley Trail, bring your phone and scan the QR codes on the labeled trees. Labeling is courtesy of the Committee for a Better Environment committee.