On another unseasonably warm day, I traveled to a different part of the TAM and was met by similar species as in other sections I have walked through. I am surrounded by young American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) trees that form a thick understory that reaches only a few feet above my head. Among the young trees, however, stands an older White pine (Pinus strobus). This discrepancy among the age of the trees is the result of previous disturbances to the forest. In this case, where there is one older tree surrounded by new growth, it is likely that this land was previously used as a pasture, but the pine tree was spared being cut in order to provide shade for the animals. The seeds of nearby forests found elsewhere on the TAM likely traveled to this area and have only recently been able to grow once the land was no longer maintained as a pasture. It will be interesting to see how this land evolves over time in comparison to the adjacent forest.
While I do not witness any living animals, I do hear crows (Corvus sp.) in the distance. I also find some white feathers scattered on the ground, possibly from a woodpecker (Picoides sp.). Trees are not the only organisms in the forest that are affected by human interference. Hunting and the loss of habitat can greatly reduce populations of animals that reside in forest habitats. Birds are more fortunate than trees, however, because they are able to move to a new location when confronted with dangers or changes to the conditions in which they live. When development affects their habitat, birds can migrate to new lands. Trees, on the other hand, can only spread their seeds so far, and there is no guarantee that they will even be able to take root in another location. Trees must learn to adapt to conditions while standing in one place. Humans do not make it easier for trees by continuously contributing to forest disturbances.
