Station 11: White pines love open areas

White pines prefer sunny areas to get established and grow. This cluster of white pines seeded in after the logging operation removed most of the forest across the road to the south and illustrates the desired shelterwood response described at the previous station. They will continue to flourish here as long as the road and landing area remain open to the south. A clearing to the north would not have provided the sunlight necessary for pine establishment.

How old are these White Pines?

You can observe how vigorously these pines are growing by observing their stems. The distance between each cluster of branches, or whorl, represents one year's growth. The most recent growth is above the topmost whorl. The picture shows 2+ years growth.