New Land Trust » Flora

What is the Forest?

Doug — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:43:58 +0000

There is more to a forest than just lots of trees. Forests are important for many reasons. They provide food and shelter for animals such as deer, rabbits and turkeys, and they help our environment by cooling the earth and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They provide us with the oxygen we breathe, wood to heat our homes and habitat for animals that we hunt for food. Forests are a great place to watch for wildlife, enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.

Layers of the Forest

Forests have different layers, each providing a different type of habitat for wildlife. Think of a tree as a hotel or apartment building:
Canopy (Penthouse)—The canopy is the highest section of the forest, and leaves of the tallest trees form this “roof.” Only certain trees grow to the height of the canopy. Leaves and branches shade the understory, making the forest appear dark even on a sunny day. Birds, small mammals, and insects live in the canopy.
Understory (Middle Floors)—Smaller hardwood trees are located in the understory. Animals like to nest here, taking advantage of the dense plants for protection and camouflage. The understory provides shelter for many species of birds, insects and spiders and larger mammals including foxes, raccoons, deer, and bears that live on the forest floor.
Shrubs 4 to 8 feet (Lower Floors)—In evergreen forests, there aren’t many shrubs. However, in a deciduous forest, the shrub layer can be too thick to pass through. Many birds live in the cover of the shrub layer.
Herb Layer (Shops)—Green plants with soft stems can be found in the herb layer, a source of food for many species.
Forest Floor (Lobby, Street)—As leaves and other debris fall from the trees each year, they accumulate on the ground, forming the busiest layer—the forest floor. Frogs, turtles and salamanders, small mammals such as mice and rabbits, insects and ground-nesting birds such as quail can be found on the forest floor.
Underground (Basement)—The underground provides shelter under the soil for many animals and insects like mice and worms.

Courtesy of NYSDEC

Herbs of Spring

Doug — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:51:19 +0000

The New Land Trust is a very special place! Many plants grow in harmony with each other, the animals and the climate of Lyon Mountain. They are in a quite natural state with no pesticides or car fumes to contend with! We hope to help people see the diversity of our landscape and to appreciate what the wilderness has to offer. These plants offer a rich pharmacopeia. There are many common herbs that are plentiful as well as endangered herbs that are protected. We hope that you will learn from these pictures and attend our herb walks. We ask that you do not harvest any plants from the land and use caution with medicinals. We are not offering medical advice or recommending that you use any of these plants without professional guidance. We are just offering a perspective on the rich plant life we have to offer.

These photos were taken by Kathy Cantwell on the New Land Trust in early spring. We will have 5 additional featured herb photos added for the summer, and 5 for the fall. Plus updated pictures will be added of the herb’s growth during the season.

Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) – Also called Ground Pine. Found in dry woods. Helps with skin issues and digestive issues. Part used: Spores and leaves.
More information: Club Moss

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Used to heal wounds, regulate blood pressure and as a tonic.
Part used: Leaves and flowers.
More information: Yarrow

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – This plant is popular as an antidepressant. It is also used to heal wounds and relieve pain.
Part used: Leaves and flowers.
More information: St. John’s Wort

Cleavers (Galium aparine) – Cleavers is know to help the lymphatic system and to help with skin issues.
Part used: Leaves and stems before flowering.
More information: Cleavers

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – Horsetail is good for skin and hair.
Part used: Stems and leaves.
More information: Horsetail

Planting Charlie’s Tree

Doug — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:20:07 +0000

Planting a Tree Today is a Gift for the Future

Doug — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas-fir – Wikipedia

Biogeography of Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Profile for Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) | USDA

Douglasfir – Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca

Order more trees from the NYS DEC and get Tree Planting Instructions from the Saratoga Tree Nursery.

Tree Care Information from Trees Are Good.

All kinds of great information about Trees from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Great for Bonsai.

Send us your tree pictures – Submit Photos