When thinking of old growth or the pre-settlement forest that occupied the landscape of in New Hampshire, everyone seems to conjure their own distinct image. Tin Mountain Executive Director and forest ecologist Dr. Michael Cline will present a short course on the primeval forests of northern New England from 6-9 PM on Tuesday, March 22nd at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center on Bald Hill in Albany, NH. The indoor class session will be followed by a field trip to an old growth stand on Saturday, March 26th from 9 AM-3 PM.
“Many people expect all old growth stands to look like the Ewok forest from Star Wars containing towering trees with massive trunks,” according Michael Cline. “In northern New England, the trees are not the massive leviathans like those in the Pacific Northwest; however, the primeval old growth forest has a certain primitive feel and offers a glimpse into the past. In addition, they often contain some very large trees.”
In developing a picture of New England’s old growth forests, researchers have tirelessly examined old accounts of the pre-settlement forest from eyewitness accounts of land surveyors and early explorers as well as conducted detailed studies or the few remaining stands of virgin forest that have remained uncut. The description of the forest that emerges is an interesting story, and one that is helpful in understanding the both the flora and fauna present yesterday and here today. The course will explain the appearance of the various pre-settlement primeval forest types, describe where they were found, and discuss factors responsible for their development.
The member cost is $15/session or $25 for both sessions; non-member cost is $20/session or $35 for both sessions. Three Forester Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for the Wednesday night session and two CEUs for the Saturday field trip. For more information on this and upcoming programs, classes, and events at Tin Mountain Conservation Center, contact Nora at 447-6991. Learn more about other Tin Mountain programs, events, and conservation efforts at www.tinmountain.org.