Forest Health Walk, Stop 8

Look Straight Ahead

As you face the QR code, look straight ahead into the forest.

If it is winter and the plants are missing their leaves, you can see deep into the woods. But even in summer, you can still see far into the forest.

Being able to see this far in the woods is a sign of poor forest health because a healthy forest would have many shrubs and young trees that would block your view.

This lack of understory is likely caused by a combination of factors: heavy deer browse and deep shade that results from even-aged trees forming a thick canopy with no gaps.

Walk to the next trail intersection to reach, and turn right to reach Stop 9.  Along the way, observe the woods to either side of the trail and see what signs of forest health you notice.