The research for this page was done in May 2002 by Michelle Deitrick, a 6th grade student at Briarcliff School, as part of the class’s Environmental Integrated Curriculum project on the Tourne. In the EIC, each student picks a topic and does separate sub-projects on that topic in Social Studies, Science, Math, and English. Miss Deitrick’s teacher is Mr. Dolan.
Essay
Review of 25 Great Walks in Morris County
From the Daily Record
In reading this article, “Climbers enjoy the view from the Tourne,” I learned that the Dutch word Tourne means mountain or overlook. When climbing the trails to the top of the Tourne, if you look west you see the rural area of Boonton Township. Looking south you see the suburbs of Parsippany and Morristown. On a clear day looking east you see the tall buildings of New York City.
As you start out climbing along the trail you begin at a 520-foot elevation. Along the trail you pass old hardwood forest and huge rock formations. When you reach the first overlook you are facing west. From here you see the horse and farm fields. You also see the hills surrounding Split Rock Reservoir in Rockaway Township. Along the trails wild strawberries and blueberries will be growing in June and July.
When you continue along the trail to the top and go down by the rocks to see the south view. You are now at an elevation of 897 feet. Here you see buildings in Parsippany and Morristown. Turning to the right and looking east you see church steeples and neighborhoods in Boonton. Looking as far as you can see, you view the Empire State Building and you used to be able to see the Twin Towers.
As you begin to go down to the trails you will see a boulder called Mouse Cradle Balancing Rock. It is a large slab of rock that has a smaller stone underneath it. Now you begin to climb downhill to a four-way trail at the bottom, which can lead to the Wildflower trail with its many trails. This two-mile trail takes most walkers about one hour.
Science
The Wildflower Trail at the Tourne has over 200 varieties of wildflowers because of the habitat found along the trails. The trails have many little niches or areas of habitat, which are perfect for a variety of plants. The wildflower trails have four types of growing areas, a drier upland, a moist slope with filtered sun, a fast moving brook and a boggy lowland. The wildflowers need some sun and usually receive enough before all the leaves come out on the trees. If the tree cover becomes to thick many of the plants will disappear. Sometimes the trees must be pruned or weeded out so the plants can survive. The soils are acidic however Sussex limestone was added to the lime loving plants.
Wildflowers have a short blooming time. The Jeffersonia blooms in the morning and by the evening the petals die off. The Trilliums bloom last 3-4 weeks. Flowering begins mid-April to mid June.
Social Studies
The trails of the Tourne travel through three towns. The towns are Denville, Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes. Most of the trails are in Boonton Township.
Math
How long are the trails?
English
Winding Trails
Wondering through the woods
Wind blowing the leaves off your trail
Wild animals making footprints on the trail
Wilderness
– Michelle Deitrick
(The students have graduated and are long gone. This e-mail link goes to the Webmaster who will attempt to answer.)
Please preserve these irreplaceable pieces of history for future generations. It’s up to you!
