Forest Ecology
Forests are an essential part of the carbon cycle. These complex ecosystems store and release carbon to the atmosphere, providing this crucial building block to all other life forms. The largest plants in forest ecosystems are trees. Through photosynthesis, trees take carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their trunks, leaves, roots, and branches.
Because trees are so large and long-lived, they can sequester carbon for hundreds of years. Since 90% of Maine is forest, the most of any state, we have a big role to play in this process.
Forests are made up of interconnected species that rely on each other for survival. This diversity of species is not only good for the trees, but for the thousands of animals, birds, and insects that live there.
Most of our forests are second-growth forest — many of the coastal shores of New England were deforested during the area’s ship-building and agrarian eras. As it grows back, this forest takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it for the long term.
Our work at Wolfe’s Neck Center
The landscape at Wolfe’s Neck Center is a unique combination of forest and estuarine habitats, with more than three miles of trails through most of the forested land. Many of these trails have areas we use as outdoor classrooms where students and campers learn about forest ecology, carbon cycling, and the importance the forest plays in the ecosystem.
Learners of all ages join us in this forest-based programming, whether it’s a young family searching for salamanders in our Salamander Meander program, a field trip about the relationship between forests and agriculture, or amateur foragers identifying mushrooms with a local expert. By joining these programs, visitors see firsthand that agriculture and forest health can thrive side-by-side.
You can learn more about our trail system and our education programs at wolfesneck.org/visit/explore.
