An Introduction to Northeastern Forest Ecology

Northeastern forests are interesting and complex interactions of biotic and abiotic components. The interactions and processes that define these interactions constitute the ecology of the forest. Understanding forest ecology, the study of organisms in their environment, helps woodlot owners and managers anticipate how each component contributes to or responds to management activities. An introduction to northeastern forest ecology includes a discussion of landscape history, human activity, natural processes, organismal behavior, and environmental conditions. The emphasis of this introduction is towards those factors related to the regeneration of the forest. Presented by Dr. Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Department of Natural Resources, Ithaca, NY. Presented November 19, 2014.

[@kevzj0]

Thanks Peter + ForestConnect. This channel is an amazing resource

[@guloguloguy]

Hey, Asimina triloba is "Paw Paw" trees!!! (Misspoken at about 39:14)!!! FYI: "Spicebush" is aka: "Lindera benzoin".

[@douggilbert9311]

At ~39:40, pawpaw (Asimina triloba).

[@ForestConnect]

+Doug Gilbert Hi Doug...right, thanks. I said spice bush which is Lindera benzoin. You've noted the correct common name with the Latin name.

[@nickhomyak6128]

Self-organization inherit in the nature of the earth does it all with no need for human intervention. Eradication of invasives would be a human worthwhile endeavor Barbery for example..

[@guloguloguy]

OK: .....So, WHAT would be one of the BEST, Most Sustainable, and "Productuve" types of "forest management"?!!! Would the land surface be HIGHLY Diversified (various locally native species), and would it be relatively open (Savannah like conditions), or, would it be VERY DENSELY filled in with trees?!.... Would they be highly similar in age, or spread across a wide range of ages?! Don't Natural Forest fire events cause a "reset" of the forest back to an open land surface, where pioneer species, including all of the small sunlight dependent forbes, small shrubs, and wildflowers, vines, etc. then be given a fresh opportunity to fill in the opened spaces, and to grow THICKLY, and to start creating competitive conditions which will cause more rapid succession of the DOMINANT tree species, (within the allowable tolerances), for specific the soil types, and wetland/upland gradients? What books would you HIGHLY RECOMMEND that EVERY landowner should study, in order to better understand how to go about managing their property for the facilitating the BEST Natural Wildlife HABITAT?... THANKS!!!

[@billastell3753]

You asked 3 questions right off the bat. The Best is subjective so there is no one answer. The answer to most sustainable is simple... leave it alone! Let nature take it's course. Productive is also subjective therefore no answer.