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| The May 19, 2001 field outing to the "old growth" forest on the flanks of Mt. Wachusset was a success. Joe Choiniere of the Audubon Society led a group of about ten people on an enlightening walk along the rocky trails encircling the mountain and pointed out to us many trees growing in areas that had never seen the sharp ax of man. Our concept of "old growth" forest was forever changed; some of the trees Joe showed us were no bigger around than a fire plug, but were three hundred years old, survivors of numerous ice storms and hurricanes.
Joe showed us how to recognize venerable trees by differences in the qualities of their bark. More old growth forests are being discovered and Joe encouraged all of us to become involved in the preservation of these very rare trees. The height of the trip was our visit to an old growth hemlock forest where the stunted trees survive the harshest of environments. Our special thanks to Joe for taking the time from his Audubon Bird-a-thon to walk us through this special forest. |
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