Forest Regeneration Information

Question:  Do you know the stages of forest succession?
Forest succession is the process where vegetation establishes and progresses over time.  It frequently occurs following a disturbance whether it be natural such as a wind or fire event, or caused by people, such as a timber harvest. The 6 phases of forest succession are:
  1. Development of a bare site called Nudism
  2. Introduction of living regenerative plant material called Migration
  3. Establishment of vegetative growth called Ecesis;
  4. Plant competition for space, light, and nutrients called Competitio
  5. Plant community changes that affect the habitat called Reaction
  6. Final development of a climax community called Stabilization.
Forest regeneration - the process of renewing tree cover by establishing seedlings and saplings.  It is one of the most basic and important elements of sustainable forest management. Successful and desirable regeneration is vital to forest health and productivity, particularly after a harvest or disturbance event.
Additional Resources:
Virginia Department of Forestry
https://dof.virginia.gov/forest-management-health/learn-about-forest-management-health/benefits-of-forest-management/
National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/forest-regeneration-2022.htm
Cornell Small Farms Program
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2016/04/forest-succession-and-management/
​An online guide to the ​natural resources of Windsor Castle Park
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