April 02, 2015
Natural area maintenance: fallen trees and snags
Facilities Services - Grounds
Open gallery
During this past winter, several windstorms downed trees in our natural areas. Fallen trees as well as the remaining standing dead tree (snag) will be left on site to provide habitat to birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and other species. Specifically, fallen trees and snags provide:
- Insulated nesting areas to buffer temperature extremes
- Loose bark and tree cavities to store food
- Habitat for insects that eat thousands of forest pests
- Cover for fish and amphibians when near waterways
- Habitat for wood-eating insects that are consumed by woodpeckers and creepers
- Host for lichen which is eaten by deer and elk
As so many creatures rely on dead wood during some portion of their life cycle, its retention is an essential component of wildlife conservation and habitat management.
Questions, concerns? Please contact Gabe Bishop gbishop@lclark.edu or 503-768-7848.
