NATURE IN THE PARK
  • Home
  • Four Habitats
    • Habitats Description
    • Marsh Introduction >
      • Life in the Marsh
      • Marsh Dynamics
    • Forest Introduction >
      • Life In the Forest
      • Forest Dynamics
    • Open Fields Introduction >
      • Life in the Fields
      • Field Dynamics
    • Creek Introduction >
      • Creek Life
      • Creek Dynamics
  • Photo Gallery
    • Marsh Photo Gallery
    • Forest Photo Gallery
    • Fields Photo Gallery
    • Creek Photo Gallery
  • Geology
    • Park Geology
  • Earth Keeping
    • Restore a Shoreline
    • Plant a Longleaf Pine
    • Nest a Bluebird
    • Watch out for invasives
  • Interpretive Signs Trail
    • Interpretive Signs Trail Map
    • Salt Water Marsh
    • Mammals
    • Birds and Waterfowl
    • Invasive Species
    • Fresh Water Marsh
    • Reptiles
    • Vernal Pools
    • Forest Regeneration
    • Forest
    • Longleaf Pines
    • Geology Sign
    • Recently Planted Trees
    • Bluebird Boxes
    • Small Woodlot
    • Bald Eagles
    • Great Blue Herons
    • Purple Martins
  • Home
  • Four Habitats
    • Habitats Description
    • Marsh Introduction >
      • Life in the Marsh
      • Marsh Dynamics
    • Forest Introduction >
      • Life In the Forest
      • Forest Dynamics
    • Open Fields Introduction >
      • Life in the Fields
      • Field Dynamics
    • Creek Introduction >
      • Creek Life
      • Creek Dynamics
  • Photo Gallery
    • Marsh Photo Gallery
    • Forest Photo Gallery
    • Fields Photo Gallery
    • Creek Photo Gallery
  • Geology
    • Park Geology
  • Earth Keeping
    • Restore a Shoreline
    • Plant a Longleaf Pine
    • Nest a Bluebird
    • Watch out for invasives
  • Interpretive Signs Trail
    • Interpretive Signs Trail Map
    • Salt Water Marsh
    • Mammals
    • Birds and Waterfowl
    • Invasive Species
    • Fresh Water Marsh
    • Reptiles
    • Vernal Pools
    • Forest Regeneration
    • Forest
    • Longleaf Pines
    • Geology Sign
    • Recently Planted Trees
    • Bluebird Boxes
    • Small Woodlot
    • Bald Eagles
    • Great Blue Herons
    • Purple Martins

More Information about the Forest

Picture
Introduction
One of the most refreshing areas at Windsor Castle Park is the forest.  The air smells fresh, and the presence of the tall trees takes us to a pleasant world.  It might be easy to forget that the trees that make up the forest are living creatures who are engaged in a struggle to secure the resources that make life possible for them. At the same time, they provide the foundation for a unique ecosystem comprised of many individuals that are geared to live on, under, and on top of them.  This is a very dynamic place. As you walk through the park consider these facts and questions to help you appreciate what is going on at the WCP forest.
Some facts to consider
  • Hardwood trees have denser wood generally than softwood trees.  Hardwoods typically have leaves and softwoods have needles.  Hardwood tree types at WCP include oak, hickory, beech, maple, and black walnut trees.  Common softwood trees seen in the park are pine, cedar, and bald cypress.
  • Coniferous tree leaves are either needle or scale shaped. Coniferous trees in WCP stay green year-round. Loblolly and Virginia pines have needle shaped leaves. Eastern red cedars have scale shaped leaves.
  • Red heart fungus is a disease that infests many mature pine trees including some in WCP.  It is evidenced by small hoof shaped growths called conks along the bark.  Since the heartwood is attacked, this disease can weaken the tree.  The Red Cockaded Woodpecker is attracted to diseased trees, since it is easier for them to create a nest cavity in infected trees. 
Click on the button below to learn more and test your knowledge about the forest.
Thought Questions

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.