What constitutes an ‘old growth forest?’ Where are these habitats found in the region? And why do they occur where they do? Join forest ecologist Charles Cogbill for a look at the pre-settlement forests of the Northeast. Charlie’s talk will cover the characteristics, identification, dynamics, use, and conservation of these rare forests.

 

Charles Cogbill is a forest ecologist and ecological consultant. When the experts need answers about old growth forests, they call Charlie.  Charlie has worked with Sterling College, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, the White Mountain National Forest, and many independent forest ecology research initiatives. He is a member of the recovery team for alpine endangered species in the White Mountains, and has spent much of his career gathering data to construct an accurate image of the northeastern landscape before European settlers began clearing the land for timber and agriculture.

 

In his presentation, Charlie will provide an overview of old growth forests, including identification and basic characteristics. He will also cover their unique ecological dynamics, use, and current conservation regulations of these rare habitats. In particular, the presentation will highlight unique stands in the White Mountains and their change through time

 

The EcoForum lunchtime lecture series is sponsored by The Flatbread Company of North Conway and the Rock House Mountain Baker. EcoForums are free and open to the public and are presented at noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center in Albany. The community is urged to attend to learn more about salient issues facing our natural environment and to hear the views of thought-provoking speakers.