WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Came across this monster red oak near a trail in Sundown Wild Forest. Check out those trunk flares near the base. Notice the double-leader on this behemoth. This was probably a stump-sprout from a cut tree back in the mid to late 1800s, perhaps just after the Civil War. Today, this red oak is surrounded on all sides by American beech and maple who can tolerate shadier conditions. This red oak “prospered” in a time with more burning and cutting.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association