Along the Cadillac Mountain loop trail, a wayside exhibit features a panel angled atop a stone located on an expanse of smooth granite. Bushes of various types — such as meadowsweet, greybirch, mountain holly, black huckleberry, and highbush blueberry — cover the slope beyond the exhibit, with a view of Frenchman Bay in the distance.
This exhibit's title, "Not so Barren," appears in a blue sky over an autumn view of Cadillac Mountain's summit. Clumps of red and yellow leaves on low-lying bushes form dense mats among the rocks.
Introductory text reads: "Cadillac Mountain's summit may appear barren in places, but look closely and you will find pockets of alpine plants and clusters of stunted trees. The sub-arctic, three-toothed cinquefoil hunkers down in dry, granite crevices. Miniature examples of plants found at lower elevations, like blueberries and birches, take root in depressions that have collected a little moisture and the gravel-like soil. Winter winds, snow, ice, and the low levels of soil due to storm run-off all play a part in creating this fragile summit environment."
An inset entitled "Life on the Summit" features four photographs:
-The first photograph shows a hawk with its wings and tailfeathers spread. "Scan the sky for broad-winged hawks and other raptors during their fall migration."
-The second photograph shows a cluster of ripening blueberries. "Notice how heavy winds and harsh winters limit the growth of blueberries and other plants."
-The third photograph shows a white-throated sparrow. Brown and black markings on its wings complement its gray belly. Black and white stripes accent its crown, while yellow patches appear under the eyes. "Listen for the white-throated sparrow's song - Oh-sweet-canada-canada or Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody.
-The fourth photograph shows a close-up of two white, five-petaled blossoms growing from dark-green foliage. "Look for the three-toothed cinquefoil, which is common in eastern Canada but also grows on high outcrops here and along the Appalachian Mountains."
Notes urge visitors to Protect the Park: -Stay on established trails or step on rock. Avoid trampling plants. -When you return to your vehicle, make sure loose paper is not blown out.
