Public Forests of Maryland

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Without biological diversity, the planet as we know it would not exist. We are closely entwined and dependent upon nature and biodiversity. Most of our food supply comes from domesticated species of wild plants and animals, and many of our fruits, vegetables, and grains must be pollinated by other species. Our water supplies would soon become polluted and undrinkable if it were not for bacteria that removes and breaks down wastes in our water sources.

About 95% of the forests left in the U.S. have been logged. Species that inhabit logged forests are usually those we have an abundance of. Old growth forests on the other hand provide a unique habitat for many species in decline or endangered across the U.S. It is rare when we still find an old growth forest, especially in Maryland, but in this picture we see a group of environmentalists about to enter the old growth forest at Crabtree Creek.

At Crabtree Creek there exists a remnant old growth forest of several hundred acres that somehow escaped the axes and saws of previous logging operations. This area provides a look into the past when ancient forests covered much of our nation.

This large Red Oak is one of many trees in the area that remain undisturbed after hundreds of years. This tree is probably more than 250 years old. Seed and nut trees that are younger than 40 years of age produce little or much less fruit and seeds than do older trees. Many wildlife species, including the black bear, turkeys, squirrels, and birds require a quantity of seeds and nuts for survival especially during winter months.

This ancient forest has many gaps in the canopy where old trees have fallen or died from disease. These gaps provide habitats for early successional species - the types found in young forests. While we have an abundance of young forests in Maryland, and sufficient habitat for early successional species, old growth forests and habitats for late successional species have largely been eliminated throughout the State.