The equinox passed earlier this week, marking the official beginning of spring. And with that, the days will continue to get longer and warmer. This warmer weather has already begun to entice wildlife activity. In fact, I have already seen a few snakes to kick off the season. The first I came across was a…
Author: Shawn Gray
Extinct Trees of the U.S.
When we hear about extinct species, it’s usually in reference to animals, and most often large vertebrates. What we hear about far less often is the extinction of plant species, and specifically extinct trees. But is this because few plants actually go extinct? No. In fact, a recent article has documented the extent of recognized…
How Railroads Exacerbated Forest Fires
I was recently surfing the Internet and came across an interesting map showing approximations of burned areas from forest fires in the Adirondack region during the spring of 1903. Looking at these blob and patches that represent fire scarred lands, there are some patterns that immerge. One of these patterns is the proximity of railroad…
The Incredible Diversity of Wasps
In the insect world we often hear about the diversity of insects and especially beetles (Coleoptera), but there is mounting evidence that the diversity of wasps may be even greater. In fact, wasps may be some of the most diverse insects in the world. And a recent book by behavioral ecologist at University College London,…
Discovering Plant Species
I recently finished a contract in the Hoosier National Forest of Indiana and while I was there I found several plant species that were new to me. As a forester, I often spend my time looking up toward the forest canopy and rarely look at the vegetation growing below, especially herbaceous plants. However, I have…
The Benefits of Self-Studying Mathematics as a Forester
A strong understanding of mathematics and statistics are important skills in the field of forestry. Not only are these skills useful for general problem solving, they are also necessary for interpreting the scientific literature, and of course, statistical skills are crucial in analyzing forest data. But the opportunity to develop math skills does not end…
Exploring Data on National Forest Logging
Logging in National Forests is a contentious subject that has a long, controversial history. With today’s post, I’d like to take advantage of a geospatial tool offered by the Forest Service to explore National Forest logging data. With this tool, we can see where and when particular timber harvests took place as well as determine…
How A Forester Identifies Old Growth Trees
Old growth trees are typically rare, especially in southern Appalachia. However, it is possible to come across some old growth refugia that have survived for more than 100 years. So, as a forester, what are some of the main characteristics I look for when identifying old growth trees? That’s what I’ll being sharing today. Occasionally,…
Case Study in Conservation: Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Corridor
From southeastern Pennsylvania, the 185-mile-long Kittatinny Ridge is one of the most prominent features in the landscape. Rising to about 1800 feet above sea level at its highest point, it forms an ever-present wall above the Great Valley to the southeast. What’s more, it has high value as a conservation corridor due to its biodiversity…
Bald Eagle Nesting Sites on the Rise in the East
I recently read that bald eagle nesting sites have been spreading in the eastern US as the population continues to recover from a history of pollution exposure and indirect poisoning. It made me think of the first time I recall coming across an eagle nest in the wild. Back in early spring of 2018, I…