Trees In The Forest example essay topic

As I walked through the orange gates at the McDonald Research Forest, I didn't really know what to expect. It actually turned out to be a unique and interesting experience. Since I haven't put much thought into forestry and the different types that exist, this field trip definitely broadened my horizons. Most of the forest types I visited were among the five that were to be managed in the new forestry plan. By managing these forests, it is said that Oregonians will see social, economical and environmental benefits.

The plan was to comprise most of Oregon's forests as layered and older structured types. (Bordelon, 2000) After taking part in this field trip I noticed that this area had not started logging much and has not generated much money for the county. (Milstein, 2002) First of all I encountered the forest in the first stages of an understory, which consisted of herbs and shrubbery. It had one canopy so the forest felt very open and welcoming. There were a few broken limbs and some pieces of logs on the ground. This forest had obviously been logged quite recently.

I liked the feel of it as the forest gave off a friendly open vibe. Onward, I took a look at the raw new logging site and compared it to the closed single canopy forest. The new logging site felt closed and the trees were sparsely set. There were many insects as the forest had time for life to settle.

This area reminded me a lot of the way the Tillamook forest looked after the huge fires in 1933 and 1945. They left ruins that looked a lot like this site with broken limbs and such. (Wells, 1999) The closed single canopy forest had many trees within close vicinity of each other. It also felt closed and left for life to settle. It contained more plants and moss than the other.

Huge tree trunks lied on the ground in midst of the forest. I stopped to analyze the age of a tree on the pathway. By counting the growth rings I estimated that it had been about twenty-two years since the area had been clear-cut for re plantation. This told me that this particular forest had been around for my entire lifetime! The young monoculture felt very closed as well. It had about eight trees within proximity of another.

Bushes and grass were covering the entire ground and I noticed birds flying ahead making a home in the trees. Insects crawled up and down various tree trunks. When looking over the clearing I had trouble deciphering which trees in the distance were denser. This view reminded me of a beautiful painting. I wish I could wake up to such a site daily. I believe that the Oak Savannah were a little more encompassing of the clearing.

My favorite part of the trip was the Old growth trail. It not only caught me off guard since it was unexpected, but was very intriguing. When I veered down the dark trail, a serene feeling came over me. I stood for a while just taking in the atmosphere. I approached the large maple tree that had stood for many years. There were no trees close to it since its roots spread out so far.

The forest felt extremely closed yet precariously open. Almost as if you were in a private hideout as a child. The trees were very sparse but large in diameter and height. The bushes and plants were overwhelming as they took over much of the ground space excluding the trail. I think this forest had it all. I saw mice, birds, and numerous insects exploring the territory.

The next stop I considered the growth time for a fallen tree. It had about ten growth rings so I hypothesized it had been alive for about forty-five years. When I was born this tree was roughly twenty-four years old. The bridge gave me a great opportunity to absorb the forest. Again I felt so at ease and calm in the surroundings. I could have spent all evening there to relax and reflect.

As my eyes wandered I noticed that the stream below could have flooded at some point. Tree pieces were broken apart and appeared soggy as they were caved in towards the water. The foundation seemed to have fallen in due to weathering and erosion took various pieces of debris to the stream. I really appreciated the look of the coniferous trees just beyond the bridge. They had a look unlike any other trees in the forest.

As I counted nineteen growth rings, I guessed that they grow just about two feet a year. I took my last moment in this old forest to consider a Douglas fir tree. There weren't more than two other firs residing near it. Somehow even though they were very overwhelming in size, their sparseness gave the forest an open feel. Many plants and insects made a home nearby. There was absolutely no sign of logging as this area has stood the test of time.

It seemed that the IHA plan had possible been implemented here, since many species existed and have been preserved. (Bordelon, 2000) Overall I found this Old Growth trail to be a very beautiful, open forest with history and character. I wish more forests could be of this strand although timber harvest is essential. (Wells, 1999) The last type of forest I noticed was layered. It felt very closed, old and full of many creatures. Many twigs covered the ground, which laid the ground work for a young forest, growing and changing as days go by.

Lastly, I took notice of a quarry where weathering had occurred some time back. Red clay surrounded the top portion as it turned gray closer to pond. Moss, newts and dirt formed thick layers in areas of the pond. Trees, grass and dandelions hugged the pond closely. The pond stood very still as life rarely rendered there. This field trip along with the readings gave me insight into the forestry world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and found it to be very educating. I now have a new perspective on forests along with a found appreciation for them.