Prospect Head, Caramelized White Spruce

On our joint Halifax Field Naturalists/Nova Scotia Wildflower Society walk at Prospect Head Nature Reserve yesterday (July 12, 2014), we noted extensive browning of vegetation which was attributed to salt burn associated with sea spray from Tropical Storm Arthur 8 days before, preceded and followed by hot, dry weather. At one point, a few of us paused and wondered about a strong smell of caramelized sugar that seemed to come from a white spruce.. read more