What do gray birch trees have to do with forest’s history — and beavers?? There are some tree species whose presence can give us general clues about a forest’s history — and then there are a few species that tell us something very specific. One of these latter species is gray birch (Betula populifolia). Gray birch is a “pioneer” tree species, and a very short-lived one — usually living up to just 20 years old — and in my experience it ONLY grows in abandoned fields and meadows. Sometimes, when w

White birch is a beautiful and iconic tree species — and also one that can give us clues about a forest’s past! #tree #trees #forest #forests #nature #ecology #ecosystem #woods #forestry #forester #history #stem #birch #birchtree | Ethan Tapper