Marion Brooks Natural Area, Elk County, PA, USA

In this natural area a unique stand of paper birch trees dominaties this 975 acre tract with little else present. This unusual ecosystem is a result of severe fires in the 1920's that took place in the area after logging. The intensity of the fire destroyed the soil structure and left a mineralized ash in which little but paper birch would grow, resulting in some nearly pure stands of paper birch. The other common tree, also a pioneer in these types of soils, in the natural area is pitch pine. Now the area is being invaded but "normal" tree species growing in the soil generated by these species.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Marion Brooks Natural Area
• ENTS
• tree
• paper birch
• fall foliage
• 10-10-2010
• PA