The deep forests of the Appalachian Mountains are amazing. Time seems to tick away very slowly which gives you time to appreciate what is around you. There are no houses, loud noises, cars, and human settlement seems light-years away. It's just you and the sweet sound of the thrush.
The forest has changed quite a bit over the past 2 centuries. There are very few trees left that were here 200 years ago. Most have been cut for wood and paper and new trees have taken their place. There are still isolated pockets of old-growth trees here and there though. Wells, NY in the Adirondacks has a great stand of old-growth white pine. Species have changed as well. The American Chestnut, a massive tree that could get to ten feet in diameter and 100 ft tall, used to be the major tree in the forest...1 in 4 were chestnut. Today they are all gone; killed off by a fungus in only 35 years that hitched a ride here from Asia. The Appalachians lost 4 BILLION of these trees. Scientists are working to restore the chestnut. Some of this work is happening right in Syracuse.
The American Elm is another example of a tree of the past. These trees used to line the streets of the US because of their unique shape. They have been killed off by Dutch Elm Disease. There are still a few around Groton that I've seen that have not gotten infected. So get out there and experience the woods the way it is right now!
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16 comments:
What a gorgeous picture! Did you take it?
Woods are dynamic. and that is what makes them special.
is that your picture too, or did you steal that from the internet too?
No I did not take the picture. I wish I had though.
who is Kat?
were the snakes cool? how was the trail was it fun or what?
You reminded me of a book by Barbara Kingsolver called Prodigal Summer. It is set near where you are now and one of the subplots was about a guy who was trying to bring back the American Chestnut. It was very interesting. She also wrote Animal, Vegetable, Miracle about eating locally.
that is pretty!!:)
does lucy walk on a leash?
HUGE tree isn't it.
from Toby
OMG, that picture is so beautiful, it so would have been awesome if you did take that one. It sounds very peaceful in the forest, I like the sounds of the serene surrounding, that is why I plan on living in the mountains, away from people and noise... I can't stand either, I just put up with them.
~Crissy
have you seen eny animals insted of the bear lol. thats cool cya :)
Hi! When I saw this picture it remined me of Lord Of The Rings Return of the King.It is very pretty.
that looks like a cool place.
DAIMON
Hey Mr.Devoe these woods look so peaceful and calm i wish i was their........................
did you have a good time
what did you see
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