What makes the the forest unique beyond the stipulations for remaining uncut is the appearance of the forest from under the canopy. When in the forest, the first thing noticed will be the lack of a thick undergrowth on the floor. The predominantly hemlock trees create an atmosphere that is considerably different than forest at lower altitudes or forest that were harvested for the timber content. Follow the link below to see a 360 degree view from the forest.
Cathedral Forest 360 from 7/15/2011
Questions to think about:
- Why do you think the forest floor appears so much different than a harvested forest?
- How do new trees compete with the old growth trees?
- The bark of hemlocks was used to tan leather in the past. What would this tell you about how the tree affects the pH level of the soil?
The group measured a hemlock tree while in the forest. We also computed pH for the soil. The data below shows the outcome from that field experience.
Thank you for your posting on today's visit to Cathedral State Park. I especially like your use of thought provoking questions for students.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. Today was an enlightening day especially seeing the forest for the first time. The lack of undergrowth compared to other forest regions that have been cut is substantially different.
ReplyDeleteThqnks for the post Jason. I liked the way you included questions. I also like the addition of the chart.
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