A burn was prescribed for this area because it was overgrown and needed a reduction of fuel, particularly due to its close proximity to Station buildings. After the burn, soil productivity was increased and more sunlight reached the surface, promoting germination of seeds. Some of these seeds had been resting in the soil for years. However, when the above-ground stem is burned, several new stems sprout from the root crown. Compact clumps of stems are characteristic of hickories that have sprouted after a fire.
Hickory nuts are edible for humans as well as squirrels.
When bruised, the leaves smell like those used in cooking. However, a different bay tree, which is a close relative, produces bay leaves for cooking. The Silk Bay is also related to the Avocado. On the right side of the trail are several Tar-flower shrubs. The name refers to the sticky buds and outer sides of the white petals that bloom in June.