Matt Miller, our host, explains their approach to forestry at Otter Ponds, including the emphasis on leaving standing and fallen dead trees, which are higher in species diversity than live trees.
Matt using an increment borer to get a core sample from a spruce tree. Taking these cores does little damage to the tree (cores can even be put back after examination).
Matt showing the group a tree core from a spruce tree. A forester can count the rings on the core to get the tree’s age.
A massive Yellow Birch that was likely killed due to birch dieback that swept through the area in the 1940’s. The tree now hosts fungi (see the shelf mushrooms) and many other species.
Christie, also with Otter Ponds, shows the group a young spruce growing out of this stump, which is kindly providing nutrients for the young tree as it decomposes.
A tree “cookie” cut from a Yellow Birch that needed to be cut to make the road. There are over 120 rings on this cookie = over 120 years old!
Walking further into the Otter Ponds property on a new road. Volunteers have put in a lot of work in the last couple of years to build roads, bridges, a composting toilet, and a picnic shelter.
The group in front of a giant old Yellow Birch in a rich, tolerant hardwood forest. What a special place!
