As the two men walked along a brook, Wagner told Grant that dragonflies evolved in pre-dinosaur times, and Connecticut's 145 species are bellwethers of environmental quality. In 1996, white pine cones were abundant. About once every 12 years, each white pine tree produces hundreds of cones to ensure survival of the species by producing more seeds than the birds, squirrels and other animals can eat. In September, wild grapes, which grow in disturbed places, blanketed the forest. A brilliant October day atop the summit of Turkey Hill revealed the spectacular colors of fall.
Ravens are forest birds that look like crows but are twice as long.
Winter was mild between two major snowstorms. During a December snowstorm, Grant trekked through 14 inches of snow, roads blocked by fallen trees, and extensive damage in the forest. Signs of spring came in April with an unidentified green plant peeking through the forest litter, spring peepers, wood frogs in vernal ponds and returning migrating songbirds. Grant also hiked the Nipmuck Trail. He survived sub-zero winter nights, and hot humid summer days.