Oak Tree Galls

If you come across one of these while you are walking, take a look around to see if you are under or near an oak tree.  If you are, then you have probably discovered a gall.  These ball-like growths are caused by insects. They form on the leaves or stems of the trees and then often fall to the ground. The one pictured here has a pretty bright red color but a lot of them are speckled. You can also see galls on other trees and plants, but they are very often seen on oak trees in the Connetquot River State Park.