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The Paper Birch
My friend Joseph was telling me all about his favorite
kind of tree. It's called the paper birch. I know I've
seen them. They are trees with white, peeling bark.
Joseph explained that the white bark of the paper birch was once
used to cover the canoes and wigwams of the Native Americans.
When the tree is young the bark is a
smooth, reddish brown color. As the tree gets older the bark
turns white. Joseph likes the dark green leaves that turn a
clear yellow in the fall of the year. He doesn't like to
rake them though.
Joseph says the seeds from the paper birch provide
valuable food for birds. The two birds that like it the best
are the redpoll and the pine siskin. He told me to be
on the look out for these birds as they visit the trees in the
park. Joseph also said to look carefully at the leaves because I
might see different kinds of butterflies feeding.
Having a friend like Joseph is wonderful. I learn
so many new things from him.
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