The mayflower was the second site on this tour. No, not the Mayflower ship, but the Massachusetts state flower.

Gina Purtell of the Massachusetts Audubon Society pointed out the flower to a group of explorers on Saturday morning during the Winter Berry Walk held in the Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lasting nearly two hours, the walk featured Purtell explaining various vegetation found in the forest and their uses.

For example, native blueberry bushes aren't just useful for their berries: part of the plant stays green, producing sugars during photosynthesis, year-round. When bunnies eat the plant, they leave it pinched. When deer munch on it, the plant is left shredded.

There were six hikers on the walk, and one of the most exciting part of the tour was a surprise visitor.

A buck made a short appearance, spurring conversation about hunting. Since the sanctuary is owned by the Audobon, hunting is not allowed in the woods.

Purtell noted the dark coat on the deer and explained that deer have different coats in the winter and summer. The hair is hollow and offers insulation during the winter, giving deer a dark coat. In summer time, the hair turns a lighter color, changing the animal's coat.